Cyclobenzaprine is an oral prescription medication, indicated for treatment of pain associated with muscle spasm due to acute musculoskeletal conditions. Examples of common painful conditions for which cyclobenzaprine could be used include fibromyalgia, low back pain, and neck pain.
Cyclobenzaprine belongs to a heterogeneous class of medications known as muscle relaxants., More specifically, it is classified as an anti-spasmodic. It is structurally similar to the tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline), and has similar associated side effects including drowsiness, dizziness and dry mouth; according to the product monograph, these adverse effects occur in 39%, 27%, and 11% of patients, respectively.
Owing to its anticholinergic activity and long half-life, cyclobenzaprine is not recommended for use in the elderly. The Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults recommend that muscle relaxants including cyclobenzaprine be avoided in the elderly; this is classified as a strong recommendation with a moderate level of evidence.
According to the product monograph, “cyclobenzaprine should be used only for short periods (up to two or three weeks), because adequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use is not available”.
Copyright © 2015 Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.