Overview
It acts on the brain and spinal cord. It's usually used for 2 to 3 weeks along with rest and physical therapy.
What it's used for
- Painful muscle spasms from strains, sprains, and back injuries
How to take it
- Take it with or without food.
- It often causes sleepiness, so many people take it at night.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Constipation
Warnings
- Not for people recovering from a heart attack or with heart rhythm problems or an overactive thyroid.
- Don't drive until you know how it affects you.
- Older adults are more likely to become confused or fall.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
- Alcohol and other sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
- Antidepressants, tramadol, and other serotonin medicines raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Cyclobenzaprine (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.