#13: cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Muscle Spasms and Musculoskeletal Pain

Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant that goes by brand names Flexeril and Amrix. The drug’s effects are achieved through acting centrally on the skeletal muscle and reducing the motor activity of both the alpha and gamma motor neurons. Typical dosing is initiated at 5 mg po tid with one of the doses being at bedtime. The duration of therapy is short term being 2-3 weeks max. Can be taken with or without food. Capsules can be opened and sprinkled but tablets are recommended to be taken whole. The main drug interaction concerns are with CNS depressants, serotonin increasing drugs/agents, and w/ anticholinergics. Common side effects experienced by patients are dizziness, fatigue, and constipation. This drug is metabolized hepatically and requires dose adjustments in those with impaired hepatic function.  Go to DrugCardsDaily.com for episode show notes which consist of the drug summary, quiz, and link to the drug card for FREE! Please SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and RATE on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever your favorite place to listen to podcasts are. The main goal is to go over the Top 200 Drugs with the occasional drug of interest. Also, if you’d like to say hello, suggest a drug, or leave some feedback I’d really appreciate hearing from you! Leave a voice message at anchor.fm/drugcardsdaily or find me on twitter @drugcardsdaily