Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant and a Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant. It is marketed as Flexeril (5 and 10 mg tablets). The 10 milligram tablets are available generically. Stucturally, the drug resembles the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) Elavil and has the same effect profile. This is an example of the side-effects of one drug being the primary effects desired for another; in this case, the anti-muscarinic effects, especially at the neuromuscular junction, produce skeletal muscle relaxation for cyclobenzaprine whereas they are considered ataxia when a TCA is administered for depression.

Cyclobenzaprine is typically prescribed to relieve pain and discomfort caused by muscle injuries including strains and sprains. It is also prescribed off-label as a sleep-aid.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Other side effects are respiratory depression and decreased functionality in various muscles.

Legality

Cyclobenzaprine is regulated in the U.S. for prescription only. Cyclobenzaprine is unscheduled, however, and it is not illegal to have cyclobenzaprine in your possesion, even without a prescription.

Abuse

Cyclobenzaprine is not widely abused, despite having an arguably high potential for abuse. As a generality, habitual drug users tend to steer clear of anti-depressants, because of the possibility of contraindications with other psychoactive drugs. Cyclobenzaprine, on the other hand, can induce moderate to severe anticholinergic effects at higher doses, as well as benzodiazepine-like sedation and often pleasurable muscle-relaxation. At even higher doses, cyclobenzaprine may present severe ataxia, and due to extreme muscle-relaxation, possibly disorienting side-effects such as floating sensation or other imagined movements (usually experienced when at rest.) Side-effects such as these are directly related to the favoritism of newer, more mild antidepressant medications over tricyclic antidepressants. Although purportedly unpleasant, cyclobenzaprine is relatively benign in case of overdose, depending on it's toxicity level in the user, and also on the susceptibility of the user to possibly harmful effects of overdose. Note that the susceptibility to these potentially damaging effects are greatly increased when cyclobenzaprine is used in conjunction with other drugs, particularly Central Nervous System Depressants and other antidepressants. Use of cyclobenzaprine with a MAOI (Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitor) will very possibly result in fatality. Use of cyclobenzaprine with an SSRI (Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitor) is not recommended and could lead to unpleasant and possibly damaging interaction. No deaths have been associated with cyclobenzaprine overdose, and permanent damage is almost always related to overactivity of relaxed muscles or contraindications with other drugs.