Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant used short term alongside rest and physical rehabilitation for selected acute muscle spasm. It does not treat spasticity caused by brain or spinal-cord disease.
Key points
- Drowsiness and impaired coordination are common enough to affect driving and fall risk.
- Heart-rhythm conditions, monoamine-oxidase inhibitors and other serotonergic or sedating medicines require review.
- Fainting, an irregular heartbeat or agitation with fever and muscle rigidity needs urgent care.
Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.
How it works
Cyclobenzaprine reduces muscle-related motor activity through effects in the brainstem. It is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants, which explains several anticholinergic and cardiac effects.
Important safety checks
Recent heart attack, rhythm or conduction problems, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, urinary retention and liver disease require review. Alcohol, opioids, antihistamines and sleep medicines can worsen sedation. It is generally not intended as indefinite treatment for chronic pain.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for fainting, chest pain, a sustained fast or irregular heartbeat, severe confusion, a seizure, or agitation with sweating, fever, diarrhoea, tremor or muscle rigidity.