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Info on Flexeril / cyclobenzaprine? helpful hints?
Hello, friends!
New doctor started me on Flexeril / cyclobenzaprine. 5 mg 3x/daily for back pain / arthritis-autoimmune.
What do you all think that I, as a new patient to this med, need to know about it?
I haven't been taking it that way. So far, few side effects.
I'm wondering if I should be taking this all the time, or just when I feel like it would help.
I've been dealing with pain for 30+ years and pretty much have gotten out of the habit of taking pain meds routinely because of allergies, etc. Mostly used topical treatments for a little relief, and rarely "big guns" when excruciating.
THANK YOU
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I always have on hand, but, only the if needed. Seems to work great and I wake up refreshed
@annewoodmayo PRN means as needed
I have flexeril too. It is a sorta fast acting medicine so I just take it when I think I need it. I also am on pain meds and been dealing with back issues too for over 25 years. I've read that if you take too much of a muscle relaxer it actually causes the muscles to get stiff and achy.
Here is the complete pharma info in Flexeril from our sponsor plus additional info that indicates us elderly folks shouldn’t take it. You get to decide for yourself. Knowledge is power!
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cyclobenzaprine-oral-route/description/drg-20063236
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/inappropriate-use-of-skeletal-muscle-relaxants-in-geriatric-patients
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/learn-more-ten-medications-older-adults-should-avoid-or-use-caution
I took 10 MG flexeril every night for 4 months for stubborn hip bursitis. Now taking it for my back- MD said I have non restorative sleep so this med really makes a big difference.
@kitthompson please read my post just before yours and click on the link.
Flexeril is only approved for short‑term use (2–3 weeks) because muscle spasms from acute injuries typically resolve quickly and no evidence supports long‑term benefit.
• All clinical trials of cyclobenzaprine lasted ≤14 days. There are no high‑quality studies showing benefit beyond that.
For chronic conditions like stubborn hip bursitis, Flexeril does not treat the underlying inflammation. It may help with nighttime muscle tension, but it is not a disease‑modifying therapy.
Risks of taking Flexeril nightly for months
1. Sedation & cognitive slowing
Over 30% of patients experience significant drowsiness. This can impair driving, balance, and next‑day alertness. droracle.ai
2. Anticholinergic effects
Long‑term use increases risk of:
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Confusion or memory issues
These risks are well‑documented and increase with age.
3. Withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly
After months of nightly use, stopping suddenly can cause:
• Malaise
• Headache
• Nausea
These typically last 2–4 days. A 2–3 week taper is recommended.
4. Drug interactions
Flexeril interacts with many CNS‑acting medications and should never be combined with MAOIs due to serotonin syndrome risk.
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Hi! That was really helpful!!! Good info, presented clearly, in easy to read format.
THANK YOU!
I was given flexeril back in Dec ‘23 for sciatica. I still have some. I have since been diagnosed with COPD and it really messes with my breathing. The few times I’ve taken it for back pain, it has helped but I will take pain over not being able to breath.
Unfortunately not all conditions resolve in a few weeks. Some people have chronic severe spasms, spinal cord injuries like Paraplegia and quadriplegia which aren't short-term issues and spasms can be severe. Also neuromuscular issues and others. And not all elderly people are affected by Flexeril’s effects. I took it and it had no effect on me.
Jake