Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant, and many individuals wonder if they can alter their prescribed dose by cutting the tablet. This article explores why cutting Flexeril may not be advisable and highlights safer approaches to managing your dosage.
What is Flexeril
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a medication primarily used for the short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. It functions by working within the central nervous system to reduce overactivity in skeletal muscles. This action helps to alleviate pain and improve motion.
Cyclobenzaprine is typically prescribed for use alongside rest and physical therapy, and its use is generally recommended for short durations, usually no more than two to three weeks. The medication is available in various oral tablet strengths, including 5 milligrams (mg) and 10 mg. Its purpose is to provide temporary relief, not a long-term solution for chronic muscle conditions.
Pill Splitting in General
The practice of splitting pills is common for several reasons, such as adjusting dosage, making larger tablets easier to swallow, or potentially reducing medication costs. Scored tablets are specifically designed by manufacturers to be broken into more or less equal halves, indicating they can be split with some accuracy.
However, not all tablets are made to be split, especially those without a score line. Unscored tablets, or those with special coatings or extended-release formulations, are generally not suitable for splitting. Attempting to divide such pills can lead to inaccurate dosing, as the fragments may not contain an even distribution of the active ingredient. This variability can compromise the medication’s effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
Why Flexeril Should Not Be Cut
Most immediate-release Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) tablets are not scored, meaning they are not designed for accurate division. When unscored Flexeril tablets are split, the resulting fragments can vary considerably in weight and actual drug content. This inconsistency means that one half might contain significantly more or less medication than intended, leading to unpredictable effects.
Receiving an uneven dose can either reduce the medication’s therapeutic benefit, leaving muscle spasms untreated, or increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects. Common side effects of cyclobenzaprine include:
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Fatigue
Nausea
Furthermore, an extended-release formulation of cyclobenzaprine, known as Amrix, should never be cut, crushed, or chewed. These tablets are formulated to release the medication gradually over an extended period. Disrupting this mechanism by cutting them can cause the entire dose to be released at once, potentially leading to an unsafe, high concentration of the drug in the body, followed by a period where there is insufficient medication for therapeutic effect.
Safe Dosing and Alternatives
If you find your prescribed Flexeril dose too strong, are experiencing unwanted side effects, or have difficulty swallowing the tablet, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist. They are the most reliable resources for addressing medication concerns and can provide safe and effective solutions. Self-adjusting your dosage by cutting tablets is not recommended due to the risks of inconsistent dosing and potential side effects.
Your healthcare provider can explore several options. They might consider prescribing a lower strength of cyclobenzaprine, such as a 5 mg tablet instead of a 10 mg tablet, to achieve the desired effect with fewer side effects. In some cases, a liquid formulation of cyclobenzaprine may be available through compounding pharmacies, offering an easier way to administer the medication, particularly for those with swallowing difficulties. Always seek professional medical advice before making any changes to your medication regimen.