Cyclobenzaprine, known as Flexeril, is a prescription muscle relaxant for short-term relief of muscle spasms. It is used with rest and physical therapy to address pain, stiffness, and discomfort from musculoskeletal injuries like strains or sprains. This medication acts on the central nervous system to produce muscle-relaxing effects. It is not for long-term use or treating muscle spasticity from neurological conditions. This information offers general guidance and should not replace personalized medical advice.
Understanding 10 mg Flexeril Dosage
For adults and adolescents aged 15 years and older, the recommended dosage for immediate-release cyclobenzaprine 10 mg tablets is three times a day. This dosage aims to relieve muscle spasm pain, with effects beginning within 30 minutes to one hour, and lasting for about 4 to 6 hours per dose. While a 5 mg dose three times daily is a starting point for mild muscle pain, the 10 mg dose is prescribed for more severe muscle pain.
The maximum recommended daily dose for immediate-release cyclobenzaprine is 60 mg, which translates to six 10 mg tablets per day. Do not take more than 10 mg at one time, even if the total daily dosage is within limits, as this increases the risk of side effects. Cyclobenzaprine is recommended for short-term use, for up to two to three weeks.
This short-term recommendation is due to a lack of evidence for long-term effectiveness and increased side effects with prolonged use. Acute muscle spasm pain often resolves within this timeframe, making extended use unnecessary. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your individual response, but do not exceed the prescribed amount to avoid serious side effects.
Important Considerations for Safe Use
Cyclobenzaprine can cause common side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and dizziness. Other effects include upset stomach, nausea, or trouble focusing. These effects are due to the medication’s action on the central nervous system and can impair mental and physical abilities.
Combining cyclobenzaprine with central nervous system (CNS) depressants increases the risk of severe adverse effects. Alcohol, opioids, sedatives, and other muscle relaxants can intensify drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment, potentially leading to profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or even death. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to prevent dangerous interactions.
Another serious interaction can occur with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a class of antidepressants. Using cyclobenzaprine with MAOIs, or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI, can lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fever
- Sweating
- Muscle stiffness
- Loss of coordination
Due to its anticholinergic properties, cyclobenzaprine should be used with caution in individuals with a history of urinary retention, angle-closure glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure.
Practical Guidance and When to Contact a Doctor
If a dose of cyclobenzaprine is missed, take it as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Never double doses to compensate for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
An overdose of cyclobenzaprine can be serious and fatal, especially when combined with other substances. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe drowsiness, vomiting, agitation, tremors, confusion, slurred speech, and a fast or irregular heartbeat. More severe signs can include seizures, chest pain, cardiac arrest, or extremely low blood pressure. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or a poison control center.
Contact your healthcare provider if your muscle spasms do not improve within two or three weeks, or if they worsen. Also contact your doctor if you experience severe or bothersome side effects that do not subside, such as persistent dry mouth, extreme drowsiness, or changes in heart rhythm. Any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or tongue, warrant immediate medical attention.