Cyclobenzaprine and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Shi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2017

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "My mom, who is 92 and has dementia, was prescribed Flexeril along with Tramadol for muscle pain. After 4 days of taking them, she woke up this morning totally confused and hallucinating. She had no idea where she was and was in tears. This forgetfulness was not her normal. The doctor prescribed Tramadol to be taken twice a day and the Flexeril 3 times. On the 1st day, she slept all day, and early evening sat with her head in her hand. When I'd ask how she was feeling, she looked at me dazed and said great, and then her head would drop back into her hand. The next day, I reduced the meds to once a day. She was still sleeping a lot, but this morning she was very confused and dazed! She is done with both meds. Dementia and these meds are NOT good!!!"

• Spe...
• July 6, 2019

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "Woke up totally drowsy. Too strong for me. I will not be taking it again. Called pharmacy, and they said it hits some people this hard. Others can handle it. It takes up to 20 hrs to leave your system. Drowsiness may go on a second day. Sleep it off. Don’t drive!"

• Vac...
• May 30, 2015

Cyclobenzaprine for Sciatica "Was prescribed this for severe sciatica and piriformis inflammation. This drug did absolutely nothing other than knock me out for a few hours of deep sleep every time. Bad drowsiness. I was then able to find some SOMA, which is a miracle painkiller drug by comparison. Even better than the Percocets without apparent side effects. Yet, the doctors are completely paranoid to prescribe it, unlike this useless Flexeril. Just check out the reviews on both drugs and compare."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2018

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "Told to take 5 mg once a day - 1 pill. Felt like I had taken Benadryl and Claritin at the same time. Took yesterday at 1:30 pm, it is now 10:30 am the next day. I feel drowsy, incoherent, and disoriented. My heartbeat is fast. Called and told the doctor to get me something else. I will never take it again. Makes no sense considering it’s been 21 hours later that it is not out of my system. This is the exact reason I don't take medications. I could have just dealt with the pain from my neck, than the side effects of this drug."

• Mie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2015

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "Ok, so I got Flexeril 10 mg prescribed from an ER NP, after going through ultrasounds, etc. for what I feared was a DVT. Things came back normal, so she gave me this. I took one the next night, and about 30 minutes later, started nodding off... but this wasn't your normal dozing off. Every time I would feel myself dozing, I'd start hearing voices. These sleepiness/auditory hallucinations were the first effects. I didn't even notice if the pains were still there because I was constantly fighting to stay awake because the auditory hallucinations started to really scare me. Probably about an hour or so later, I completely knocked out (around 11:30) and didn't wake up until 1 pm the next day. Won't take this ever again."

• Dan...
• July 9, 2018

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "I've been on Flexeril now for about 2 years. My neurologist was treating me for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. I was okay taking 10 mg once a day. It was when he increased my dosage that I started to have very, very serious side effects. Among the normal side effects-sleepiness, grogginess, confusion-that's a given, but it was working, so I tolerated it. When I jumped to 20 mg a day, within a week or two, I started to develop much more serious side effects. I developed a rapid heart rate, and one of the most serious was I could not urinate. I was put on a catheter on Easter Sunday for about 5 weeks. Just prior to that, I was having difficulty swallowing. Along with that, I started to have hallucinations big time. I ended up with such bad nightmares that I literally fell out of my bed three nights in a row. My urologist finally put the pieces together when he found out how long I had been on Flexeril. He told me to stop immediately, and when I did, within a week or two, most of my symptoms have disappeared."

• Dan...
• July 9, 2018

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "I've been on Flexeril now for about 2 years. My neurologist was treating me for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. I was okay taking 10 mg once a day. It was when he increased my dosage that I started to have very, very serious side effects. Among the normal side effects-sleepiness, grogginess, confusion-that's a given, but it was working, so I tolerated it. When I jumped to 20 mg a day, within a week or two, I started to develop much more serious side effects. I developed a rapid heart rate, and one of the most serious was I could not urinate. I was put on a catheter on Easter Sunday for about 5 weeks. Just prior to that, I was having difficulty swallowing. Along with that, I started to have hallucinations big time. I ended up with such bad nightmares that I literally fell out of my bed three nights in a row. My urologist finally put the pieces together when he found out how long I had been on Flexeril. He told me to stop immediately, and when I did, within a week or two, most of my symptoms have disappeared."

• Mik...
• December 29, 2015

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "I had pretty significant muscle spasms in my neck after my car was rear-ended. This medicine pretty much stopped all of the pain and allowed me to sleep soundly. The only problem is that it makes me drowsy."

• Gri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2014

For Sciatica "I would rather endure the pain. This knocked me down for 2 whole days. I took a half because I did not know how my body would react. I slept for 2 days, only getting up to use the bathroom and get a drink of water. If you are sensitive to medications, as I am, I would not suggest this. How did it do with the pain? It was still there when I finally woke up, it wasn't as severe, but it was still there."

• Cro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2020

For Muscle Spasm "(Pink Lemonade) I have fibromyalgia and constantly in pain. My chest muscles always hurt and I have body aches as well. I have 5 mg Flexeril and 15 mg. I can't take the 15 because it keeps you drowsy. Even after 8 to 10 hours of sleep. I wish they had a cure for fibromyalgia. It's hard living with this condition. Especially when you have high blood pressure and diabetes. I've also noticed the kind of care you get depends on your insurance. Private insurance fixes the problem, Medicaid prolongs it by giving prescriptions. This is why you never see older politicians ever get sick. They have the funds for the best treatment. We have to settle. Everyone pray for one another because this world is definitely divided."

• Anonymous
• November 25, 2009

Cyclobenzaprine for Fibromyalgia "Helps overall, but leaves me with a terrible hung-over-type grogginess until mid-afternoon the next day. Doctor said it should go away after a week, but no luck - still had the next day druggy haze feeling even after 3 weeks on it. I do still use it occasionally for bad shoulder or back spasms, but not every day for my fibromyalgia anymore."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2019

For Muscle Spasm "This is the only muscle relaxant out of the ones I tried that really works for my muscle spasms, and a bonus is it also helps with my anxiety. But the side effects are so annoying and off-putting that I can't take it regularly enough to relieve the problem. It makes me VERY dizzy and groggy, even throughout the next day. I constantly feel like I'm gonna fall asleep or lose my balance when I stand up. There is also just a general tired brain fog feeling. If you really need it and are really in pain, then it will do the job. But beware of the side effects and don't expect to be very productive the next day unless you force yourself to push through it."

• cee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

For Muscle Spasm "I don't recommend this medication to anyone. It did help with the muscle spasm, but the side effects of this pill are ridiculous! I had very bad anxiety, my heart pounding like I was going to have a heart attack with every move I made, shaky hands, numb legs, and waking up in the middle of the night with my left arm hurting and pressure on the left side of my chest. You wake up like you have a hangover: groggy, panicky, and cranky. Never again. I only took it for 4 days."

• not...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 12, 2016

For Sciatica "For my migraines, back spasms, and sciatica, this was a fantastic find. I take as needed, which is weekly. I have sleep problems, and it helped with that too. I take it an hour before bed, drink plenty of water with it, and in the morning. After a shower, I'm alert again. Sometimes, for whatever reason, I do have drowsiness, but maybe that is hormone-related or dosage. I suspect it builds up, and then my body hangs on to it at times more than others. Water and a nap, and I'm usually back. A quick walk to get the blood moving. I'm disappointed I can't do more with my lower back problems - therapy, strength training, yoga, etc. Surgery won't work. This drug has made my year so much better. Thinking of a theme park first time in a year."

• Sci...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2017

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "I read through some of the reviews here and wow, what doctors are you seeing that prescribe 10 mg, 3 times a day?! Of course, you have side effects lol. That's jumping off the deep end. You always start low and ramp up. Make sure you Google medications before just taking them. Doctors can be wrong and are wrong lots of times. My doctor told me 5 mg to 10 mg a day only at night. I'm on my first day after taking 10 mg last night and feel pretty groggy, but I only slept 7 hours (more than I usually get). I took a 5 mg pill at about 10:20 pm last night and was laying down for an hour before I took another 5 mg pill at 11:20 pm. It was about 12:20 am when I last looked at the time. I did wake up with a headache that went away after an hour though."

• Pau...
• May 16, 2018

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "I can't really say whether Flexeril helped with muscle pain or not because within 45 minutes of taking it, it had knocked me out for several hours. After I woke up, I felt like I'd been drinking all day. Even the next day, I'm still very groggy 16 hours after taking a single dose. Wouldn't recommend it unless pain is unbearable."

• Kno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Experience chronic neck/upper body muscle tension after 3 cervical surgeries, including fusion with plates (C5-7) and artificial discs (C3 and C4). Have disc issues with L5-S1, too. Also diagnosed recently with fibromyalgia (but probably had it for many years prior). This drug relieved the chronic pain of muscle tension (spasms, knots). Took 10 mg at bedtime initially. Best sleep ever, but I could have slept 14 hours! I woke up very drowsy. Instead, take only 5 mg early in the evening. No other side effects. I take only as needed as a precaution."

• Mau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Finally, like the other lady said, something for fibromyalgia that totally works. The longer you take it (3.5 months at this time), the less pain I have had. It has been wonderful not having pain. I do experience sleepiness and need more sleep, but with fibro, you do anyway. Unfortunately, my heart rate has been steadily climbing."

• whi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2013

Cyclobenzaprine "Took for lower back pain. Definitely made me drowsy, dry mouth, and throat. It did not relax me. I found myself tightening the muscles all over my body to compensate for feeling so tired and weak to be able to move, stand, and walk with the pain. Did nothing for the pain and was so drowsy I had difficulty focusing through it to function. I did lay down to try to relax and breathe through and ended up passing out for over 4 hours. I guess it was good to get some rest, but not having a choice about it... very uncomfortable with that idea."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2016

For Temporomandibular Joint Disorder "I was given this medicine when I woke up and my jaw was locked shut. I have TMJ issues and this was the second time it has happened. The first time I was given Robaxin and I had an allergic reaction. Regardless of the allergic reaction (hives), I feel like cyclobenzaprine works way better than Robaxin. 45 minutes after taking it, I was able to open my jaw and eat! I'm not sure if it is helping with the pain because I am taking it with hydrocodone 5/300, but it is doing wonders allowing my jaw to open! Definitely recommend this over Robaxin! Also, it makes me tired. Can't drive on it, but I don't get so tired that I have to sleep. I can still get stuff done, but I wouldn't risk driving! Zero side effects besides drowsiness. A++"

• Bam...
• June 27, 2019

Cyclobenzaprine for Muscle Spasm "This medication is great short term or for a one-off just to release muscle tension, but make sure you don't take it with any other medications for pain like opioids, anti-depressants/anxiety, even natural medications, or hay fever meds. If you take something else, make sure it's out of your system before taking Flexeril with it or other meds with Flexeril. I never really felt drowsy or depressed with Flexeril alone, but I started on a very healthy diet and herbal medication for ovulation, and there was a huge difference. The leaflet says there is no interaction with melatonin, but that is in my ovulation meds, and I do believe it makes you more drowsy. That it's interacting with my cleaner system. Now I'll only take this as a one-off but not with other meds or herbals. My neck/shoulder pain is stress-related, which also links in with diet, so I'm going to work on that first and use Flexeril as a last resort. Could be a dangerous medicine if not taken with caution."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

For Muscle Spasm "Currently prescribed cyclobenzaprine and ibuprofen for lower back muscle spasms. Ibuprofen during the day and cyclobenzaprine at night. I was heavily cautioned about the cyclobenzaprine and to not make any plans after taking it. Hasn’t done a thing. I am told it doesn’t work on everyone. I have taken it after getting home from work just to see if I am missing something while sleeping. Nada, no relief, no drowsiness, no relaxation of any muscles."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2021

Cyclobenzaprine for Sciatica "I was prescribed this on two separate occasions, one was for TMJ issues 4 years ago. I heard really great things about this medication, including complete relief from pain and the ability to have a good night's rest. I took 10 mg every night for 30 days and didn't notice a difference in pain, nor was there an improvement in my sleep. It did absolutely nothing. I could barely open my mouth enough to take a bite of food or to yawn. Fast forward 4 years, and I'm prescribed it again for tight muscles in my lower back, causing some sciatica and lower back arthritis. I've taken it about 4-5 days, and my pain has actually gotten worse. I don't feel any positive effects from the medication whatsoever, no drowsiness, no pain relief. But I will say that I do believe it is negatively affecting my mood. I am also taking Elavil and noticed improvements with my mood while taking Elavil only. When Flexeril was added, on the 5th day, I noticed my mood has drastically declined (depression/anxiety)."

• sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2014

For Muscle Spasm "Perfect for severe upper back muscle pain and spasms. I could barely stand by the end of a typical workday. Flexeril has made it possible to work and be more comfortable and able to enjoy life. The only side effects I've noticed are slight irritability, dry mouth, and drowsiness when taken in a large dose or at the end of the day. Dosage is 10 mg three times daily. Usually one on my first work break, then two on my last break. Typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to kick in, so the timing is perfect. Able to enjoy life again, besides being stuck in bed all the time."

• Rel...
• September 13, 2015

For Muscle Spasm "I fell and got severe whiplash, which went undiagnosed and thus untreated for 6 months. I now am undergoing treatment to break down the scar tissue that has accumulated (yes, it's as painful as it sounds!), and I'm constantly in pain due to both the tension in my muscles and the breaking down of scar tissue. The doctor prescribed me 10 mg twice a day, and my pain is completely gone. Yes, I'm a little drowsy, but it's a small price to pay for relief, in my opinion."