Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Cyclobenzaprine as follows:

Central nervous system side-effects

  1. Cyclobenzaprine use can result in episodes of confusion, dizziness, and light-headedness. This risk with cyclobenzaprine can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing central nervous depression, such as, alcohol, opioid pain medications, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives. Watching closely for therapeutic response and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication.

Serotonin syndrome

  1. Serotonin is one chemical in the brain, which in permissible amounts, is believed to reduce anxiety and promote happiness and well-being.
  2. Very excessive concentrations of serotonin in the brain can lead to serotonin syndrome. Individuals with serotonin syndrome can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid irregular heart rate or arrhythmia, seizures, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea.
  3. Cyclobenzaprine use can contribute to increase in the serotonin levels and lead to development of serotonin syndrome. Cyclobenzaprine use, especially along with a few other antidepressants, such as, citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline, can increase the risk for serotonin syndrome many fold and so, must be avoided.
  4. Report symptoms of serotonin syndrome to your physician promptly for any appropriate measures to be considered.

General allergic reactions                                 

  1. Cyclobenzaprine use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
  2. Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with cyclobenzaprine, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.