Cyclobenzene

Cyclobenzaprine functions as a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is commonly sold under the names Fexmid (7.5mg pills) and Flexeril (10mg pills). Flexeril is available generically, while Fexmid is not. Other names under which cyclobenzaprine can be found in drugstores are Amrix and Orphenadrine Citrate (Norflex).

Apart from being used as a muscle relaxant, some of the forms of cyclobenzaprine are also applied to treat fibromyalgia. The study was held that involved 120 fibromyalgia patients. Those of them who took cyclobenzaprine over 12 weeks demonstrated a considerably improved pain score and sleep quality, as well as reduced muscle tightness and tenderness.

Cyclobenzaprine may cause such side effects as depression, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, blurred vision, and mouth dryness, as well as impaired function of some muscles and respiratory depression. Vision damage is linked with long-term use of this medicament. Another common side effect that is more often found in the seniors is agitation.

Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication in the USA. Even though it is not considered as a controlled substance by the government, its possession requires having a valid prescription. Otherwise, even keeping this drug in the store is considered illegal.

Even though cyclobenzaprine has a high potential for abuse, it is not used as a recreational drug. Moreover, its effects are rather mild, compared with other recreational drugs. Cyclobenzaprine is more commonly used as a potentiator of opioids that serve as painkillers. Nevertheless, it is important to know that this drug taken in large doses may bring about severe anticholinergic effects, sedation, and floating sensation.

Even though the overdose of cyclobenzaprine can be unpleasant, it is considered relatively benign. In the meantime, for some individuals the effects can be rather harmful. The inclination to potentially dangerous side effects is increased in case cyclobenzaprine is taken in conjunction with other medications, such as antidepressants and central nervous system depressants. It is important to note that if cyclobenzaprine is used with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), it may cause fatal consequences. The rare but potentially lethal complication associated with cyclobenzaprine is rhabdomyolysis, or muscle breakdown.

In 2008, an experiment was held to study the positive and negative effects of cyclobenzaprine. A patient had to take cyclobenzaprine over a three-day period, starting from March 31 and ending on April 3. This patient was asked to write down any side effects that occurred during the experiment and also tell about its positive effects. During this period, the patient observed drowsiness that occurred 20 minutes after he had taken the medication. As of the drug's positive effects, the patient noted that cyclobenzaprine made the implementation of his daily tasks easier and less painful.