Cyclobenzaprine, the generic for Flexeril®, for short-term muscle spasm relief

What Cyclobenzaprine Is and How It Works

Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription skeletal muscle relaxant used short term for acute Muscle Spasms from musculoskeletal conditions. It is taken by mouth as 5 mg or 10 mg tablets. Many doctors start with cyclobenzaprine 5 mg and adjust to Cyclobenzaprine 10 mg if needed. The cyclobenzaprine brand name most people know is Flexeril. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

This cyclobenzaprine medication reduces involuntary muscle spasm and tenderness. It acts centrally and is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants. It likely reduces tonic somatic motor activity and lowers muscle hyperactivity. It does not treat spasticity due to cerebral or spinal cord disease.

Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride is available as cyclobenzaprine HCl 5 mg and cyclobenzaprine HCl 10 mg tab strengths. Therapy is usually limited to 2–3 weeks, which aligns with the typical course of acute strains or sprains. Many patients also use heat, gentle stretching, and physical therapy.

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Dosage and Usage

• Follow your prescriber’s directions. Typical starting dose: cyclobenzaprine 5 mg three times daily.
• If needed and tolerated, dose may increase to 10 mg three times daily. Do not exceed 30 mg per day.
• Use for the shortest time that controls symptoms, usually up to 2–3 weeks.
• Older adults or those with liver impairment often start at 5 mg up to three times daily.
• Swallow cyclobenzaprine 5mg tablets or 10 mg tablets with water. Take with or without food.
• Avoid alcohol and other sedatives. Cyclobenzaprine muscle relaxer effects include drowsiness.
• Do not use within 14 days of an MAOI. Tell your prescriber about SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, or linezolid.
• If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is near the next dose. Do not double up.
• Stop and seek medical advice if you experience palpitations, confusion, severe dizziness, or fainting.

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets dry, in the original container with the cap tightly closed.
• Protect from excess heat and humidity. Do not store in a bathroom or a hot car.
• For travel, carry your medication in your hand luggage with your prescription label.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Use child-resistant caps.

Benefits and Savings

Cyclobenzaprine is used for acute neck or back strain with muscle spasm. It can reduce spasm, stiffness, and pain and help improve function. Some people feel it helps them rest more comfortably at night when spasms disturb sleep. It is not approved for insomnia, but sedation is a known effect.

Ordering through YouDrugstore offers Canadian pricing on generic and, where available, brand options. You may see 60–80% savings compared with typical US prices, depending on strength and pack size. Check the current cyclobenzaprine cost on the product page. Multi-month supplies and occasional bulk promotions can lower the per-month cyclobenzaprine price. Reorder reminders can help you avoid gaps in therapy.

Shoppers comparing the price of Flexeril to a generic often choose the generic name for Flexeril to reduce costs while meeting the same quality standards.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, blurred vision, headache.
• Less common: heartburn, unpleasant taste, nervousness, weakness.
• Sedation is dose related and more likely at Cyclobenzaprine 10 mg three times daily.
• Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation) may be more pronounced in older adults.

Serious but uncommon risks include arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, and serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs. Avoid use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. People with hyperthyroidism, recent myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, heart block, or arrhythmias should not use cyclobenzaprine. Angle-closure glaucoma, urinary retention, and significant hepatic impairment require caution. Alcohol, benzodiazepines (for example, alprazolam/Xanax), opioids, or other central nervous system depressants can increase drowsiness and impairment. If used with other agents that lower seizure threshold (for example, bupropion), clinicians weigh risks and benefits.

When cyclobenzaprine is used with opioids or sedatives, dose adjustments and careful monitoring can reduce risks. Cyclobenzaprine does not cause hypoglycemia, and it is not used with insulin or sulfonylureas for glucose control.

Onset Time

Some relaxation and sedation can appear after the first dose. Many people notice less spasm and improved comfort within 24–72 hours as dosing steadies. Functional gains, like easier turning or bending, often follow as pain eases. If relief is limited after several days at an appropriate dose, clinicians may reassess the plan. Most courses last 2–3 weeks.

Compare With Alternatives

Methocarbamol is another centrally acting muscle relaxant. It tends to cause less dry mouth but can still cause drowsiness. You can compare options on our Robaxin® page and discuss suitability with your prescriber.

Some clinicians consider tizanidine or baclofen, especially when spasm persists or if sedation from cyclobenzaprine is limiting. Each has different side-effect profiles and interaction considerations.

For those familiar with the original brand, you can also review Flexeril® details and compare them with a generic cyclobenzaprine prescription for your needs.

Combination Therapy

• Often paired with acetaminophen or an NSAID (ibuprofen or naproxen) for short-term pain relief.
• Local measures (heat, gentle stretching, physical therapy) support recovery.
• Avoid combining with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or sedating antihistamines when possible.
• Do not use with MAOIs or within 14 days of MAOI therapy.
• If sedation is excessive, prescribers may reduce to cyclobenzaprine HCl 5 mg or adjust timing.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride used for acute musculoskeletal spasms suits many adults who need short-term relief. It is not effective for spasticity from cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord conditions. Most guidelines advise limiting therapy to a few weeks while underlying injuries heal.

Avoid use in people with hyperthyroidism, recent heart attack, arrhythmias, heart block, or congestive heart failure. Caution is needed in glaucoma, urinary retention, or significant liver disease. Dizziness and drowsiness can impair driving or machine use. In older adults, lower doses reduce anticholinergic effects and falls. Safety in children under 15 is not established.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized advice. While data are limited, many clinicians prefer non-drug measures first and use the lowest effective dose if treatment is needed. Cyclobenzaprine for sleep is not an approved use, though nighttime dosing may help rest by easing spasms.

To manage expenses, compare pack sizes and strengths on the product page. The cyclobenzaprine HCl brand name is Flexeril, but the generic often costs less and offers the same active ingredient. Choosing a larger supply, when appropriate, can lower the per-month cyclobenzaprine price. You can set simple reorder reminders in your account and place your order online. For related reading on back discomfort, see Lower Back Pain Common Causes And Treatment and Upper Mid Back Pain Cervical Pain Treatment.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Cyclobenzaprine product listings

FDA/DailyMed: Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Tablets prescribing information

FDA label archive for cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride

Order Cyclobenzaprine from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express handling.

This content is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider about diagnosis and treatment.