Pros
Provides temporary relief
Not likely to be habit-forming
Treats muscle spasms due to strains or sprains
Generic versions available can make it more affordable
Flexeril is a skeletal muscle relaxant. Like other skeletal muscle relaxants, it blocks nerve impulses (pain sensation) sent to your brain to relax muscles.
Flexeril is used with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions, including pain, muscle injuries, and muscle spasms. Flexeril is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under brand names, including cyclobenzaprine.
Flexeril may be prescribed as a tablet or capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Flexeril, be sure to complete the full course of the muscle relaxant unless your healthcare professional specifically tells you to stop. The muscle relaxant may not fully treat your muscle spasms if you don't complete your prescription.
There are several FDA-approved uses for Flexeril, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your PlushCare doctor may prescribe Flexeril for the following reasons or other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Flexeril is FDA-approved as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for the relief of muscle spasms associated with acute musculoskeletal conditions. Flexeril tablets should only be taken for short periods (2–3 weeks), as muscle spasm symptoms are generally short-term.
Provides temporary relief
Not likely to be habit-forming
Treats muscle spasms due to strains or sprains
Generic versions available can make it more affordable
Not for long-term use
May cause dry mouth
Can cause significant drowsiness
Not for people with hyperthyroidism or heart-related conditions
The side effects associated with taking Flexeril are typically mild. Most Flexeril side effects are associated with drowsiness.
Flexeril has some common side effects. They may include:
Drowsiness and tiredness
Headache and dizziness
Upset stomach, nausea, and constipation
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain sensations
Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body
Tell your doctor if you notice any adverse effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, or muscle stiffness.
The use of Flexeril in young children under age 15 is not advised.
Your healthcare professional will be able to give you instructions on how to take your Flexeril prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Flexeril can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The starting dose for Flexeril typically ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg for muscle spasms. Flexeril is usually taken once daily for 2–3 weeks.
Flexeril has 393 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other drugs or supplements, as well as nonprescription drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Flexeril include:
Meperidine
Tramadol or other narcotic pain medications
Cold or allergy medications that contain antihistamines
Medicine used to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcers, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Bronchodilator asthma medication
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Flexeril. Alcohol may increase your risk of side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
Flexeril can cause tiredness and impaired reactions. Only drive or use hazardous machinery once you know how Flexeril affects you.
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another muscle relaxant or other central nervous system (CNS) depressant in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Soma (carisoprodol)
Lorzone (chlorzoxazone)
Dantrium (dantrolene)
Depending on your pharmacy, Flexeril costs around $51.15 for thirty 10 mg tablets without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands like cyclobenzaprine HCL offer an affordable alternative.
Book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor to refill your Flexeril prescription. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription for your new prescription drugs to your local pharmacy.
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine HCL) starts working on the central nervous system within one hour to relieve pain and relax muscles. Flexeril is available as immediate-release and extended-release capsules.
Yes, you can take Flexeril during the day. However, standard doses of cyclobenzaprine HCL may make you drowsy. Talk to your healthcare professional about splitting your dose to lessen the drowsiness.
Avoid taking Flexeril if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
Thyroid disorder
Congestive heart failure
Liver disease
Glaucoma
Trouble urinating
Enlarged prostate
If you miss a dose of Flexeril, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you've taken too much Flexeril, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical help. An overdose of Flexeril can be deadly. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and tremors.
Step 1
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Flexeril prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $99
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine HCL) tablets. Accessed on September 29, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/017821s045lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. Cyclobenzaprine (Oral Route). Accessed on September 29, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cyclobenzaprine-oral-route/description/drg-20063236
MedlinePlus. Cyclobenzaprine. Accessed on September 29, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682514.html