Flexeril

WHAT IS FLEXERIL
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant usually recommended to relieve muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as sprains, strains, or pulls. Combined with rest and physical therapy, Flexeril is excellent in relieving muscular stiffness and pain.

HOW TO USE FLEXERIL
Flexeril muscle relaxer may be taken with or without food. It should be used only for short periods of time, no more than 3 weeks maximum. Since the type of  injury that Flexeril treats will generally improve in a few weeks, there is no reason to continue its use for a longer period. For some people, Flexeril may cause dry mouth. Dissolving a lozenge or candy, chewing gum, or melting ice chips in your mouth can provide temporary relief.

PRECAUTIONS
The effects of Flexeril during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, consult with your doctor. It is not known if Flexeril will appear in breast milk. However, Flexeril is related to tricyclic antidepressants, and some of those drugs tend to appear in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may recommend that you discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment has been completed.

FLEXERIL SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects generally cannot be anticipated with Flexeril. If any side effects develop or alter in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Flexeril. More common side effects may include: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth. Less common or rare side effects may include:

Abnormal heartbeats, abnormal sensations, abnormal thoughts or dreams, aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, bloated feeling, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, convulsions, decreased appetite, depressed mood, diarrhea, difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty speaking, disorientation, double vision, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, gas, hallucinations, headache, heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased heart rate, indigestion, inflammation of the stomach, itching, lack of  coordination, liver diseases, loss of sense of taste, low blood pressure, muscle twitching, nausea, nervousness, palpitations, paranoia, rash, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, stomach and intestinal pain, sweating, swelling of the tongue or face, thirst, tingling in hands or feet, tremors, unpleasant taste in the mouth, urinating more or less than usual, vague feeling of bodily discomfort, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin. Problems such as confusion or hallucinations are more likely in older adults.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Serious and potentially fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril with an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil, Parnate) or if it has been less than 2 weeks since you last took an MAO inhibitor. You should strictly follow your doctor's advice regarding the discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before taking Flexeril. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Flexeril. If Flexeril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be amplified, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flexeril with the following: Barbiturates such as phenobarbital Guanethidine and other high blood pressure drugs Other drugs that slow the central nervous system, such as Halcion and Xanax Tramadol (Ultram)

NOTES
Flexeril is not a substitute for the physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor orders for proper healing. Although Flexeril relieves the pain of strains and sprains, it is not useful for other types of pain and should not be used to combat such pain.

DOSEAGE
ADULTS The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 times a day. You should not take more than 60 milligrams a day.

MISSED DOSE
Take it as soon as you remember, if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose completely and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect a Flexeril overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of  Flexeril overdose may include: Agitation, coma, confusion, congestive heart failure, convulsions, dilated pupils, disturbed concentration, drowsiness, hallucinations, high or low temperature, increased heartbeats, irregular heart rhythms, muscle stiffness, overactive reflexes, severe low blood pressure, stupor, and vomiting. High doses also may cause any of the conditions listed in "Side Effects."

STORAGE
Store away from heat, light, and moisture.