Cyclobenzaprine: The Muscle Relaxer

Cyclobenzaprine: the Muscle Relaxer

Abstract

Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is marketed as Flexeril and also as Fexmid. This experiment will observe the effects that cyclobenzaprine have on the body as well as the inflammation area of the body. The inflammation area of the individual who tested the drug was the lumber or lower back region of the body. The observations were conducted over a period of three days.

Introduction

Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is marketed as Flexeril (10 mg tablets) and also as Fexmid (7.5 mg tablet). Both the 5 and 10 milligram tablets are available generically. Fexmid is not available generically and few pharmacies carry it for this reason. Once-a-day extended release formulation, Amrix, has been approved by the American FDA in 2007 and is available in 15 and 30 mg capsules.

Cyclobenzaprine and another similar muscle relaxant trazadone are structurally related to the first-generation tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine. It therefore should not be used within 14 days of cessation of therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

The exact mechanism of action for cyclobenzaprine is unknown. Current research appears to indicate that cyclobenzaprine acts on the locus coeruleus where it results in increased norepinephrine release, potentially through the gamma fibers which innervate and inhibit the alpha motor neurons in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Decreased firing of the alpha motor neuron results.

Cyclobenzaprine: IUPAC name: 3-(5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-ylidene)- N,N-dimethyl-1-propanamine

Cyclobenzaprine is typically prescribed to relieve pain and muscle spasms. Typically, muscle spasms occur in an injury to stabilize the affected body part and prevent further damage. The spasm of the muscles can increase the pain level. It is believed that by decreasing muscular spasm, pain is diminished. A common application would be that of a whiplash injury in a car accident. Muscle relaxants such as Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and Orphenadrine Citrate (Norflex) have also been studied in the treatment of fibromyalgia. In a study of 120 fibromyalgia patients, those receiving Cyclobenzaprine (10 to 40 mg) over a 12 week period had significantly improved quality of sleep and pain score. Interestingly, there was also a reduction in the total number of tender points and muscle tightness.

Common side effects include drowsiness, depression, headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. Other side effects are respiratory depression and decreased functionality in various muscles. Long term use has been associated with vision damage. Another side effect is dryness of the mouth. Agitation is a common side effect observed especially in the elderly.

Cyclobenzaprine is regulated in the U.S. for prescription use only. Cyclobenzaprine does not fall within most governmental guidelines as a controlled substance, however possession without a valid / current prescription may be illegal depending upon various state and local laws.

Cyclobenzaprine doesn't seem to be particularly popular in recreational drug-using communities, despite having an arguably high potential for abuse. When used for illicit purposes, the drug is often referred to as "cyclone" or "mellow yellow" with recreational doses ranging from 20 to 80 mg. At these dosages, users report mild to moderate drowsiness and relaxation as the primary effects. Compared with other commonly abused CNS depressants, cyclobenzaprine's effects are considered to be mild, limiting its popularity as a recreational drug. More commonly, cyclobenzaprine is used as a potentiator of opioids, the weak and intermediate strength painkillers such as codeine, dihydrocodone, and hydrocodone most frequently. In this respect it is similar to the first-generation antihistamines and to a lesser extent like the structurally-unrelated carisoprodol

However, Cyclobenzaprine can induce moderate