Cyclobenzaprine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting medicine used with rest and physical therapy to relieve muscle spasm linked to acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. It can ease associated pain, tenderness and limited movement.

In the United Kingdom, cyclobenzaprine requires a prescription. Generic cyclobenzaprine has been available since 1989-05-03.

Cyclobenzaprine is indicated as an add-on to rest and physical therapy for muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Improvement may include relief of muscle spasm and related pain, tenderness, limited movement and difficulty with daily activities.

The medicine is intended only for short periods because evidence for longer use is not adequate and these muscle spasms are generally short-lived. The label does not find cyclobenzaprine effective for spasticity linked to cerebral or spinal cord disease, or for children with cerebral palsy.

Cyclobenzaprine works mainly in the central nervous system rather than directly relaxing skeletal muscle fibres. It reduces excessive nerve activity involved in muscle spasm, which can help muscles relax and may reduce associated pain and restricted movement. Drowsiness can occur because of this central nervous system effect.

Cyclobenzaprine is closely related to tricyclic antidepressants, although its use here is for short-term relief of muscle spasm rather than depression. Its effects can be increased by alcohol, barbiturates and other central nervous system depressants.

The label lists oral extended-release capsules in 15 mg and 30 mg strengths. The label lists oral tablets and film-coated tablets in 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg strengths. The label lists an orally disintegrating sublingual tablet in 2.8 mg strength.

The usual starting dose is 5 mg three times a day for most patients. The label lists an increase to 10 mg three times a day according to individual response.

Less frequent dosing should be considered for people with impaired liver function or older people. The label lists use only for short periods, up to 2 or 3 weeks, because longer use is not recommended.

A missed dose means the prescribed schedule has not been followed. General pharmacy advice is to follow the prescriber or pharmacist's instructions when the omission is noticed and not to double the next dose.

Cyclobenzaprine can cause drowsiness, dizziness and confusion, so extra doses can increase harm. If several doses are missed or there is uncertainty, a pharmacist or prescriber can advise on the safest way to resume treatment.

The label does not specify pregnancy data for cyclobenzaprine. Discuss its use during pregnancy with a doctor or pharmacist. The label also does not specify lactation data, so advice from a doctor or pharmacist is appropriate before use while breastfeeding.

Store at 20°C to 25°C. Keep the product in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure, as directed on the label. Protect it from moisture and keep it out of children's reach.