Cyclobenzaprine for Fibromyalgia
| cyclobenzaprine |
Amrix, Flexeril |
Cyclobenzaprine is a drug used to relax muscles. Experts do not
know exactly how this drug works to improve
fibromyalgia. Cyclobenzaprine is chemically similar to
amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant. So experts believe
that the two drugs may work in similar ways.
1
Doctors may prescribe cyclobenzaprine to treat the pain, stiffness,
and sleep problems that occur with fibromyalgia.
People with fibromyalgia who take cyclobenzaprine seem to notice an
overall improvement in their symptoms. And they especially note improved
sleep.
2
The medicine's effects may decrease over
time.
3
Side effects include:
- Drowsiness.
- Dry
mouth.
- Dizziness.
Less common side effects include fatigue, weakness, nausea,
constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, nervousness, and confusion.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
It is difficult to measure improvements in painful diseases like
fibromyalgia. This makes it hard to tell how effective a drug is in treating
this condition.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
Citations
-
Goldenberg DL, et al. (2004). Management of
fibromyalgia syndrome. JAMA, 292(19):
2388–2395.
-
Tofferi JK, et al. (2004). Treatment of fibromyalgia
with cyclobenzaprine: A meta-analysis. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 51(1): 9–13.
-
Bradley LA, Alarcon GS (2005). Fibromyalgia section of
Miscellaneous rheumatic diseases. In WJ Koopman, LW Moreland, eds.,
Arthritis and Allied Conditions: A Textbook of Rheumatology, 15th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1869–1910. Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams and Wilkins.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology |
|
Last Revised
| October 20, 2011 |
Last Revised:
October 20, 2011
Goldenberg DL, et al. (2004). Management of
fibromyalgia syndrome. JAMA, 292(19):
2388–2395.
Tofferi JK, et al. (2004). Treatment of fibromyalgia
with cyclobenzaprine: A meta-analysis. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 51(1): 9–13.
Bradley LA, Alarcon GS (2005). Fibromyalgia section of
Miscellaneous rheumatic diseases. In WJ Koopman, LW Moreland, eds.,
Arthritis and Allied Conditions: A Textbook of Rheumatology, 15th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1869–1910. Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams and Wilkins.
