How to Treat Constipation Caused by Your Medications

Flexeril, also known as cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant commonly prescribed to treat muscle spasms and pain. While it can be effective in managing these conditions, it can also cause side effects, particularly in elderly patients. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential risks, symptoms, and prevention tips for Flexeril side effects in elderly patients.

The patient remained agitated for 48 hours after presentation and required frequent sedation. Urine output dropped and creatinine rose to 1.8 twenty four hours into his admission, this responded to fluid boluses and creatinine thereafter trended towards normal. His mental status improved gradually to being fully oriented on day 4 and he was transferred to a floor bed. A psychiatry consult opined he wasn’t actively suicidal. He was discharged on day 6 and on follow up in the clinic a week thereafter was doing well with no active issues. We present this case as an example of the range of cyclobenzaprine toxicity and underline the treatment protocols used.

• You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood.
• If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule.
• Women should inform their doctors if they are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

For example, carisoprodol is not recommended during pregnancy, as it may harm the fetus. Taking muscle relaxers increases the risk of experiencing adverse side effects, and that too is not just limited to the mother; it can affect the baby as well. Despite that the majority of them are listed in C pregnancy category, some of the side effects can be lower milk supply, excessive sleepiness in infants, etc. Drug interactions of Flexeril include tricyclic antidepressants because Flexeril is chemically related to this class of drugs. In patients with CNS depression, early intubation is advised because of the potential for abrupt deterioration. Seizures should be controlled with benzodiazepines or, if these are ineffective, other anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin).

What may interact with this medication?

Analysis of the data from controlled studies shows that FLEXERIL produces clinical improvement whether or not sedation occurs. Cyclobenzaprine reduced or abolished skeletal muscle hyperactivity in several animal models. Animal studies indicate that cyclobenzaprine does not act at the neuromuscular junction or directly on skeletal 020 orange pill flexeril muscle. Evidence suggests that the net effect of cyclobenzaprine is a reduction of tonic somatic motor activity, influencing both gamma (γ) and alpha (α) motor systems. The plasma concentration of cyclobenzaprine is increased in patients with hepatic impairment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics, Hepatic Impairment).

Laxative (Bisacodyl) Rectal: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures … – WebMD

Laxative (Bisacodyl) Rectal: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures ….

Posted: Fri, 11 Mar 2016 01:28:58 GMT [source]

Professionals generally consider Flexeril to be nonaddictive; however, there is evidence that Flexeril addiction is possible. Flexeril depresses the central nervous system, an effect some find desirable, which can lead to misuse. An individual might abuse Flexeril in order to feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or sedated. Flexeril produces a variety of anticholinergic effects in high doses, altering the activity of brain neurotransmitters. Additionally, Flexeril users may experience mild withdrawal symptoms if the drug is used chronically in high doses.

Dietary Strategies for Managing IBS Symptoms

People should avoid tasks that necessitate alertness until they know how Flexeril will affect them. Some people may not feel drowsiness at all, while others may feel it intensely. Other common Flexeril side effects include nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness. It works by preventing nerve impulses (or pain sensations) from reaching your brain.

Slynd Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & … – WebMD

Slynd Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & ….

Posted: Thu, 26 Sep 2019 23:16:34 GMT [source]

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and women’s studies, she earned a Master of Science in clinical health psychology and a Master of Public Health in maternal-child health. Her interests include oncology, women’s health and exercise science. Talk to your doctor about any bowel trouble you have while taking cyclobenzaprine; your dosage may need to be reduced, or your dosing schedule may be changed to treat your constipation. Do not stop taking your medication without first talking with your physician. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. You may be sleeping a lot due to the pain or the medication, but it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day.

For most patients, the recommended dose of Flexeril is 5 mg three times a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

What is Flexeril?

AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers. We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders.

The usual dose is 5–10mg three times daily and treatment for more than 2–3 weeks is not recommended. Elderly patients are more susceptible to the side effects of Flexeril due to age-related changes in their bodies. Flexeril is prescribed to treat short-term pain and discomfort that stems from muscle injuries, including strains, sprains, and spasms. It is usually used in conjunction with physical therapy. The medication helps control the muscle spasms that result in pain. Typically, a doctor will prescribe Flexeril as part of a treatment plan that also includes rest and physical therapy.