Cyclobenzaprine 10mg has been shown to reduce or abolish skeletal muscle hyperactivity. It is thought to act within the CNS at brain stem rather than spinal chord levels, although the latter may contribute to some of its therapeutic effect on skeletal muscle relaxant activity. Pharmacological studies in animals have shown a similarity between the effects of the structurally-related tricyclic antidepressants and cyclobenzaprine. The most frequently encountered adverse effects of cyclobenzaprine include the anticholinergic effects of drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness. Other CNS effects include blurred vision, confusion, anxiety, agitation, psychosis, abnormal thinking, and hallucinations. Cardiovascular effects include increased heart rate and palpitations. The likelihood of experiencing many of these effects is dose related.

What other drugs will affect cyclobenzaprine?

• Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor if you are using any drugs that make you sleepy (such as alcohol, cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety).

• Medications that can increase drowsiness caused by cyclobenzaprine include:

· antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor);

· antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);

· narcotic pain medicine such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Tylenol #3, and prescription cough medicines);

· sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal);

· phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or

· tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), or clorazepate (Tranxene).

• If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use cyclobenzaprine side effects, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

• There may be other drugs not listed that can affect cyclobenzaprine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.