Side effects and special warnings

In every drug, there is always a risk of side effects and, in deciding whether to license its use, the FDA is balancing the benefits from wide use by the public against the adverse effects experienced by a few. In this case, Flexeril acts as a sedative and many people find they become drowsy or dizzy. It affects about 30% of all patients who take the 5mg dose. When the dosage rises to 10mg, the percentage of those affected increases to almost 40%. It is therefore very important that, when starting the course of treatment, all people avoid driving or operating any machinery that might, if concentration was lost, represent a danger to themselves or to others. If you take Flexeril with alcohol or any other drug that depresses the central nervous system, both physical and mental abilities can be significantly affected. When it comes to elderly people, the first dose should never exceed 5mg and there should be continuous monitoring. Older patients are more likely to grow confused and disoriented. Slightly less common is a general sense of tiredness and, despite the fact that this drug is sometimes prescribed to relieve tension headaches, there is some evidence that it causes headaches in some people.

The second fairly common effect is dryness in the mouth, sometimes accompanied by a bad taste. Drinking a full glass of water when taking the tablets helps to relieve the problem. Water should be drunk more often during the day.

The less common side effects include nausea, indigestion, constipation and blurred vision. However, these become slightly more common if you are taking the 10mg dose. At these higher doses, there are rare cases of seizures and tremors. Mood changes occur involving anxiety or depression, excessive excitement or confusion. In rare cases, there are hallucinations and vivid dreams.

You should take detailed advice from your primary care physician before taking Flexeril if you have:

• any history of high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorder or cardiovascular disease;
• recently had a stroke or heart attack;
• any problems with your prostate or difficulty in urinating;
• an eye disease like glaucoma;
• any disease or disorder affecting your liver; or
• an overactive thyroid.