Case Report: Neuropsychiatric side effects of cyclobenzaprine PMC

The slight relaxing feeling can become something that becomes a normal part of their everyday experience. When a patient becomes physically dependent on Flexeril, they’re often at a much higher risk of developing a cyclobenzaprine addiction further down the line. This addiction is marked by compulsive drug-seeking behaviors, even when the negative effects of these behaviors are fully recognized. People might also use Flexeril as a way to come down from Stimulant drugs, such as Cocaine or Adderall. When people addicted to Flexeril attempt to stop taking it or reduce their doses they may start to experience withdrawal symptoms, although these are typically not severe.

As more individuals explore non-medication approaches to improve their health, the reliance on medications like Flexeril has reduced. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Amrix, Flexeril, and the generic forms of Flexeril to treat certain muscle spasms in adults. All of these drugs are muscle relaxants, which help relax the muscles without affecting your ability to control and use them. In clinical studies, dizziness occurred in 3% to 6% of people who took Amrix, depending on their dosage of the drug.

Side effects of baclofen that are different from Flexeril include weakness, vomiting, low blood pressure, insomnia, and seizures. Side effects of Flexeril that are different from baclofen include dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision, acid reflux, nervousness, and stomach or belly pain. When these drugs interact, it can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Skeletal muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol can cause dizziness and drowsiness.

Is Flexeril Completely Discontinued Worldwide?

It aids in preventing the brain from receiving pain signals that would otherwise be sent from aching and tense muscles. This pain-blocking technique may encourage drug use and increase the risk of Flexeril addiction. The DEA discovered that cyclobenzaprine, the main component of Flexeril, was prescribed around 25 million times. Back pain is frequently treated with this drug as a muscle relaxant.

• You shouldn’t take Amrix if you’ve taken an MAOI during the last 14 days.
• And it’s important to note that Amrix should only be used for 2 to 3 weeks.
• To transition into this section seamlessly, one should consider how physical therapy could play a role in managing chronic pain without the use of potentially dangerous drugs.

For this use, Amrix is prescribed with rest and physical therapy. And it’s important to note that Amrix should only be used for 2 to 3 weeks. It isn’t effective for relieving muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal cord disease, such as cerebral palsy. Specifically, these drugs are approved to treat muscle spasms caused by acute (short-term), painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Specifically, both drugs relieved pain and helped improve movement of people’s affected body area within about 5 days. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Amrix is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug cyclobenzaprine.

Why Was Flexeril Discontinued: Some Alternatives to Try

Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Sep 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 28 Aug 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Aug 2023) and others. Hot and cold therapy are popular treatments for many different types of musculoskeletal pain. When used in combination, they can offer significant relief to those suffering from backaches, neck pains, muscle spasms, joint stiffness, headaches and other common ailments. Flexeril was discontinued primarily due to safety concerns, including potential side effects, risk of abuse, and dependency issues.

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This misuse can lead to dependence, addiction, and adverse health consequences. Flexeril may interact with other medications, leading to potentially harmful effects. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products flexeril groggy next day you are taking before starting Flexeril. Professionals generally consider Flexeril to be nonaddictive; however, there is evidence that Flexeril addiction is possible. Flexeril depresses the central nervous system, an effect some find desirable, which can lead to misuse.

Why Was Flexeril Discontinued In the United States

Skeletal muscle relaxants are prescription medications commonly used to treat muscle pain and muscle spasms. It is a prescription drug that is often used in the treatment of muscle spasms and the discomfort they bring. As a muscle relaxant, it operates by blocking nerve signals, effectively reducing spasms and offering relief from pain. Typically, healthcare providers prescribe Flexeril for short-term usage, usually between two to three weeks. I had been prescribed this drug for back pain and to help with muscle spasms. It is a very powerful muscle relaxer, and it works quite well.

Now that you have seen why was Flexeril discontinued, let’s talk about some alternatives available. Yes, there are many alternative treatment options you can consider to effectively muscle spasm and some pain that come with it. Another major factor that led to Flexeril being discontinues is because of the safety concerns surrounding the drug. While it proved beneficial for short-term use, prolonged or excessive usage led to harmful effects.