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Cyclobenzaprine/Flexeril

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 10/19/2012 7:16 PM (GMT -5)
I stumbled across this, the effectiveness of low dose cyclobenzaprine for fibro symptoms. Anyone want to weigh in on their own experience? My neurologist wrote me a script that I was scared (at the time) to take but now that my symptoms have progressed, I'm open. My philosophy is: whatever works.

And you know what's really worked well for me - meeting you all. I am daily inspired by you, and your warmth, and honesty.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21885490
Posted 10/19/2012 7:43 PM (GMT -5)
I have flexeril, but rarely take it. It gives me a hangover. But there are some that take it and it works for them. The only way you can find out is to give it a try. Different meds work differently on different people, I guess...

I hope that you feel better soon...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/19/2012 9:22 PM (GMT -5)
I was stubborn and determined for a couple of years to just use supplements but in the past couple of months I have been breaking my flexeril in half and taking it almost every night and it helps me sleep and releives alot of my pain.  On days when I have worked extra long hours and the pain is unbearable I take a whole one.  No hangover with the one half pill and just need some extra sleep needed with a whole one.  Hydrocodone or Tramadol give me more side effects so I try to stay away from them. 
Posted 10/23/2012 6:47 AM (GMT -5)
Flexiril is pretty good, I think I get dry mouth from it, but so far it's the best muscle relaxant I've tried. Then I came back to Australia, and we don't have it here.
Posted 10/23/2012 7:00 AM (GMT -5)
Flexeril has been helpful for my stiffness, but it does make me sleepy. I like the idea by sawa: breaking a tablet in half. I think it can also cause weight gain, but not sure at how high a level. I take it at night, also, and also get a dry mouth from it.
Posted 10/23/2012 9:30 AM (GMT -5)
Flexeril is one of the first medications that I was prescribed for my Fibro back in 1995 when I got diagnosed. It was thought to help me sleep deeper (get to stage 4 sleep) as well as reduce muscle spasms.

Over the years I have rotated with other muscle relaxers (Robaxin and Skelaxin), and they have all helped greatly.

I have never heard about weight gain specifically due to muscle relaxers. The only thing that can possibly happen is that they cause constipation as they are relaxing the muscles everywhere in the body which can slow down the colon. So it's important to make sure you drink plenty of fluids and get good daily amounts of fiber.

It's usually the nerve pain medications (Neurontin or Lyrica) that have been known to cause possible weight gain. This can be avoided by knowing that these meds can cause an increase in cravings for carbohydrates, sugar, and salt so with switching to complex carbs and limiting the latter, along with a good diet and exercise program one should be able to not put on any extra pounds.

The strange thing is that when I first took Flexeril years ago it caused fatigue but I've been back on it for months now without any issue at all.

That is why if people find the fatigue too much with this one, there are many other muscle relaxers to try. I personally could not be without one as it helps reduce my spasms which no other medication can.
Posted 10/23/2012 10:12 PM (GMT -5)
I take half a pill on nights that I seem extra twitchy. It does help me sleep.
Posted 10/24/2012 3:30 AM (GMT -5)
I take one in the am, and 2 at bedtime to help me sleep. I've found it helpful and without any side effects. At least that I know of. I take so many meds because of multiple long term conditions.
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