Introduction About FLEXABENZ ER

FLEXABENZ ER contains Cyclobenzaprine which belongs to the group of medicines called Muscle relaxants. It is used to relax muscles, relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.

Before taking FLEXABENZ ER, inform your doctor if you have diseases such as fits, an overactive thyroid gland, glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eyes), and urinary retention (difficulty passing urine) to avoid getting unwanted side effects.

FLEXABENZ ER should be taken with caution in patients with liver and kidney diseases. FLEXABENZ ER is not recommended for patients with heart diseases. FLEXABENZ ER is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy unless necessary due to the lack of safety data. FLEXABENZ ER should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers.

The most common side effects of taking FLEXABENZ ER may include dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, confusion, mood changes, and an irregular heartbeat. Consult a doctor if any of these symptoms get worse for you while taking this medicine.

Uses Of FLEXABENZ ER

• Relax muscles  
• Relieve pain and discomfort caused by sprains, strains, and other muscle injuries

How FLEXABENZ ER Works

FLEXABENZ ER contains Cyclobenzaprine which is a muscle relaxant that works by relieving skeletal muscle spasms without interfering with muscle function. It helps to reduce the hyperactivity of skeletal muscles. FLEXABENZ ER works on the central nervous system (centres in the brain and spinal cord) to relieve muscle spasms, reduce local pain and tenderness and increase the range of motion in acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.

How to use FLEXABENZ ER

Take FLEXABENZ ER exactly as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and severity of your condition.

Side Effects Of FLEXABENZ ER

How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Consult a doctor before taking any medication.

Dry Mouth

Drink plenty of water and fruit juices and consume soft foods with higher water and fibre content.

 

Headache

Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. Try to be tension free and relaxed. Take adequate sleep and rest. Avoid consumption of alcohol. Apply pain balm if required. Consult your doctor if it is getting worsened. 

Nausea And Vomiting

Avoid eating fried and greasy food. Take simple, light, small meals at frequent intervals. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

There is a lack of clinical data available on the use of FLEXABENZ ER, hence it should be used during pregnancy if only prescribed by your doctor. Consult a doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

FLEXABENZ ER should be taken with caution in breastfeeding mothers as it may pass through breast milk. Consult a doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive and operate any machines while taking FLEXABENZ ER as it may make you sleepier and dizzier. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Alcohol

Contraindicated

Do not consume alcohol while taking FLEXABENZ ER as it may make you dizzier and sleepier. Consult your doctor before taking FLEXABENZ ER.

Kidney

Use with Caution

FLEXABENZ ER should be taken with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver

Consult your doctor

FLEXABENZ ER is not recommended to be taken in patients with moderate to severe liver impairment due to the lack of safety data. FLEXABENZ ER should be taken with caution in patients diagnosed with mild liver diseases. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take FLEXABENZ ER if you are allergic to Cyclobenzaprine or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease

Contraindicated

FLEXABENZ ER is not recommended to be taken in patients with heart disease such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), heart failure, heart block, or myocardial infarction. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

The safety and effectiveness of FLEXABENZ ER for use in children below 15 years of age have not been established. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

FLEXABENZ ER should be given with caution in elderly patients, only if it is needed. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking FLEXABENZ ER inform your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:

• medicines used to manage depression (Ex. isocarboxacid, tranylcypromine)
• guanethidine (a medicine used to manage high blood pressure)
• tramadol (a medicine used to relieve pain)
• tricyclic antidepressants (Ex. amitriptyline, doxepin)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more of this medicine, consult your doctor, or visit the nearby hospital immediately. Symptoms of overdosage include drowsiness, increased heart rate, fits, high blood pressure, agitations, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and hallucinations.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep FLEXABENZ ER out of reach of children
• Store FLEXABENZ ER at room temperature

FAQs About FLEXABENZ ER

Q: What is FLEXABENZ ER used for?

A: FLEXABENZ ER contains cyclobenzaprine, which belongs to the group of medicines called muscle relaxants. It is used to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.

Q: Is it safe to take FLEXABENZ ER during pregnancy?

A: There is a lack of clinical data available on the use of FLEXABENZ ER, so it should only be used during pregnancy if prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking FLEXABENZ ER.

Q: What are the common side effects of taking FLEXABENZ ER?

The common side effects of taking FLEXABENZ ER include dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, confusion, mood changes, and an irregular heartbeat. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms get worse for you while taking FLEXABENZ ER.

Q: Does FLEXABENZ ER make you feel sleepier?

A: Yes. It makes you feel sleepier and dizzier. So, it is advised not to drive or engage in physical activities that require mental alertness while taking FLEXABENZ ER.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking FLEXABENZ ER?

A: Do not consume alcohol while taking FLEXABENZ ER as it may make you dizzy and sleepier. Consult your doctor before taking FLEXABENZ ER.

References

1. Sean C Sweetman. Muscle Relaxants. Martindale the complete Drug Reference. Thirty sixth Edition 2008. Page 1895.

2. Imran Khan, Chadi I. Kahwaji. Cyclobenzaprine. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology information. StatPearls. [Revised in September 2022] [Accessed on 30th March 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513362/#:~:text=Mechanism%20of%20Action-,Cyclobenzaprine%20is%20a%20centrally%20acting%20skeletal%20muscle%20relaxant%20structurally%20related,cyclobenzaprine%20reduced%20skeletal%20muscle%20hyperactivity.

3. Michael Stewart, Sid Dajani. Cyclobenzaprine for acute muscle pain. [Revised in February 2023] [Accessed on 30th March 2023] https://patient.info/medicine/cyclobenzaprine-for-acute-muscle-pain-amrix-fexmid

4. Merck & Co. Inc. United Stated Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). [Accessed on 30th March 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/017821s045lbl.pdf

5. Cyclobenzaprine. Ikon remedies. [Accessed on 30th March 2023] https://www.ikonremedies.com/product/cyzadac-er-15-mg-capsules/

6. Cyclobenzaprine. Innovative pharma. [Accessed on 30th March 2023] https://www.innovativepharma.in/product/cyzamac-er-30-mg-capsules/, https://www.innovativepharma.in/product/cyzamac-er-15-mg-capsules/