|
|
|
Flexeril |
|
|
What is Flexeril and why is it prescribed? Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as sprains, strains, or pulls. Combined with rest and physical therapy, Flexeril provides relief of muscular stiffness and pain. Flexeril is not a substitute for the physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor orders for proper healing. Although Flexeril relieves the pain of strains and sprains, it is not useful for other types of pain. How should you take Flexeril? Follow your doctors directions for taking Flexeril. Flexeril may be taken with or without food. Flexeril should be used only for short periods (no more than 3 weeks). Since the type of injury that Flexeril treats should improve in a few weeks, there is no reason to use it for a longer period. Flexeril may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or melting ice chips in your mouth can provide temporary relief. If you miss a dose of Flexeril take it as soon as you remember, if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed Flexeril dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Flexeril away from heat, light, and moisture. Are there any Flexeril side effects? Flexeril side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Flexeril side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Less common or rare Flexeril side effects may include abnormal heartbeats, abnormal sensations, abnormal thoughts or dreams, aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, bloated feeling, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, convulsions, decreased appetite, depressed mood, diarrhea, difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty speaking, disorientation, double vision, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, gas, hallucinations, headache, heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased heart rate, indigestion, inflammation of the stomach, itching, lack of coordination, liver diseases, loss of sense of taste, low blood pressure, muscle twitching, nausea, nervousness, palpitations, paranoia, rash, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, stomach and intestinal pain, sweating, swelling of the tongue or face, thirst, tingling in hands or feet, tremors, unpleasant taste in the mouth, urinating more or less than usual, vague feeling of bodily discomfort, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, and yellow eyes and skin. Problems such as confusion or hallucinations are more likely in older adults. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Flexeril? If Flexeril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Serious, potentially fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril with an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil, Parnate) or if it has been less than 2 weeks since you last took an MAO inhibitor. You should closely follow your doctor's advice regarding discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before taking Flexeril. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Flexeril. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flexeril with Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), Guanethidine and other high blood pressure drugs, Other drugs that slow the central nervous system (such as Halcion and Xanax), and Tramadol (Ultram). Are there any special warnings about Flexeril? Flexeril may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. You should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Flexeril affects you. You should use Flexeril with caution if you have ever been unable to urinate or if you have ever had the eye condition called glaucoma. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
