Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) for Fibromyalgia

Overview
Flexeril is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1977 for the treatment of muscle spasms. The drug name of Flexeril is Cyclobenzaprine. In cases of fibromyalgia, Flexeril can improve sleep and reduce pain.

Flexeril should be used with caution and monitored closely in people with a history of liver problems, glaucoma, or urinary retention. Flexeril should not be used by people who are taking anticholinergic medication.

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant. It is believed that Flexeril works by affecting the way nerves communicate.

How do I take it?
As a treatment for fibromyalgia, Flexeril is taken once a day, at bedtime.

Ask your doctor about using alcohol, barbiturates, or other central nervous system depressants while taking Flexeril. These substances can intensify some side effects of Flexeril.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Flexeril.

Results
The results of a small study published in 2011 showed that Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) showed promise for treating fibromyalgia. A total of 29 people with fibromyalgia were either given low doses of Cyclobenzaprine or a placebo. Among those who took Cyclobenzaprine, sleep time increased from 5.7 hours to 6.4 hours. In addition, pain decreased 26 percent in those who took Cyclobenzaprine, compared with 18 percent in the control group. There were also significant decreases in tenderness and depression in those who took Cyclobenzaprine.

Side effects
Common side effects of Flexeril include dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, and headache.

In rare cases, Flexeril may cause more serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mood changes, hallucinations, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, or trouble urinating.

Flexeril can also cause allergic reactions. Get medical help immediately if you experience difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips or tongue.