What You Should Know About Flexeril Muscle Relaxant
Back pain and chronic pain disorders are among the most common afflictions in the United States today. Statistics show that at any given time, an expected 31 million Americans are experiencing lower back pain and tension headaches. Fifty percent of Americans have also reported experiencing back pain that warranted a doctors visit at least once a year. With the increasing prices of health care services, this is no laughing matter. So, aside from looking for pharmacies that offer cheap painkillers, a lot of people are also searching for effective muscle relaxants.
One such medication that is gaining popularity among chronic pain patients is Flexeril muscle relaxant. If you want to try Flexeril, below are some key facts about this popular medication:
The Basics of Flexeril
Generically known as cyclobenzaprine, Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that works by blocking pain impulses or signals that are sent to the brain. It is often used with another form of physical therapy and rest for maximum benefit. Flexeril is usually prescribed as medication for pain and injury of the skeletal muscles.
Possible Side Effects of Flexeril
Despite being an effective muscle relaxant, Flexeril can also induce several side effects like the following:
Fast and uneven heartbeats
Chest pains
Weakness and numbness on one side of the body
Lack of coordination
Low fever
General feeling of weakness
Blurred vision
Fainting
Stomach pains
Seizures
Easy bleeding
Less serious side effects of Flexeril can range from dry mouth and dizziness to loss of appetite and diarrhea.
Contraindications of Flexeril
Flexeril is not recommended for everyone. People with following conditions are better off taking another drug or considering another form of treatment:
Taking or have taken MAO inhibitors. Possibly fatal side effects may occur to people who have taken MAO inhibitors like socarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within 14 days of taking Flexeril.
Heart problems. People who have recently suffered from heart attacks, congestive heart failure, heart block and heart rhythm disorder are likely to suffer from life-threatening side effects.
Breastfeeding. It is still unknown whether Flexeril is secreted in breast milk so lactating mothers are advised not to take this drug during the nursing period.
On the other hand, people with urination problems, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, and liver disease can use Flexeril with minor dose and treatment adjustments.
Addressing Flexeril Intake Concerns
Missed dose. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember but if it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the missed one and proceed to the next. There is no need to take an additional pill to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose. If you overdose on Flexeril, seek medical attention immediately since the effects can be fatal.
Method of intake. Do not crush or break the pill since Flexeril is an extended-release medication. This means that only small amounts of the drug are released in the body following intake. Breaking the pill can cause too much of the drug to be released at a given time.
