Cyclobenzaprine: Uses, Safety and Drug Interactions

Cyclobenzaprine: uses, safety and drug interactions

Overview: Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant. This summary concerns the US immediate-release oral tablet label, rather than an extended-release or sublingual product. The medicine can reduce muscle spasm without acting directly at the neuromuscular junction. Its effects and precautions should not be assumed to be identical to those of other muscle relaxants.

Uses and formulation: The reviewed tablet is an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The label limits use to short periods, generally no longer than two or three weeks, because adequate evidence for longer treatment is lacking. It has not been shown effective for spasticity caused by brain or spinal cord disease. A clinician should review persistent symptoms instead of simply extending treatment.

Safety: Drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness are prominent adverse effects. Alcohol can worsen impairment, and driving may be unsafe until the individual response is known. The label lists important cardiac contraindications and hyperthyroidism. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require an individual assessment; limited information must not be interpreted as proof of safety.

Drug interactions: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors must not be combined with cyclobenzaprine, including the specified period after stopping them. Other serotonergic medicines can cause serotonin syndrome, while sedatives and antimuscarinic drugs can add further adverse effects. New agitation, fever, sweating, rigidity or involuntary muscle movements need urgent assessment. A prescriber or pharmacist should check the complete medicine list; this page does not provide an individual dose or switching schedule.

Sources

• Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride immediate-release tablets — US prescribing information
• WHO ATC/DDD Index: cyclobenzaprine M03BX08
• Serotonin syndrome from the interaction of cyclobenzaprine with other serotoninergic drugs — Keegan MT; Brown DR; Rabinstein AA; Anesthesia & Analgesia; 2006; DOI: 10.1213/01.ane.0000247699.81580.eb; PMID: 17122225
• Metoclopramide oral tablets — Teva US prescribing information
• Donepezil hydrochloride oral tablets — Torrent US prescribing information

This page provides an English summary of the cited sources. Source check: 30 October 2026. This date records a source check, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Follow the current leaflet for your product and seek professional advice for personal treatment.