How much cyclobenzaprine can I take?
For most adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older, the maximum recommended dose of immediate-release cyclobenzaprine tablets is usually 10 mg three times a day. The maximum dose of extended-release cyclobenzaprine (brand name: Amrix) in adults is 30 mg once a day. This medicine is usually only needed for 2 to 3 weeks.
In some cases, your doctor may adjust your dose, but you should not exceed any prescribed dose of this medicine due to the possibility of serious side effects.
Elderly patients or those with liver impairment may not be able to use this medicine or may need a lower dose.
What is the dose of immediate-release cyclobenzaprine?
The recommended dose of immediate-release cyclobenzaprine is 5 mg three times a day. This dose can be prescribed for adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older.
- Based on your response to treatment, your doctor may increase the dose to either 7.5 mg or 10 mg three times a day. The maximum dose of immediate-release cyclobenzaprine is typically one 10 mg tablet three times a day.
- The use of cyclobenzaprine for periods longer than two or three weeks is not typically recommended because acute muscle spasm pain usually resolves within this timeframe.
- Less frequent dosing may be needed in patients over 65 years of age or in patients with liver impairment.
Follow your healthcare provider’s dosing instructions exactly and do not exceed the prescribed dose.
Related: Is cyclobenzaprine a controlled substance or addictive?
What is the dose of extended-release cyclobenzaprine (brand name: Amrix)?
An extended-release cyclobenzaprine capsule is also available that is taken by mouth once per day for adults. The recommended adult dose for the extended-release product is 15 mg taken once daily. For some patients, the doctor may recommend a 30 mg once daily dose.
- This product is available as a generic or by the brand name Amrix. It is not approved for use in children.
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
It is recommended that you take your doses at about the same time each day. Swallow your capsule whole, or you can sprinkle the capsule contents on a tablespoon of applesauce and swallow immediately without chewing.
Extended-release cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) should NOT be used in the elderly or in patients with impaired hepatic function. The safety and effectiveness of extended-release cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) have not been studied in children.
Can you take 2 cyclobenzaprine at once?
In some cases you can take 2 cyclobenzaprine at once, but this depends upon which type, dose and strength of cyclobenzaprine you are prescribed.
- For example, if your prescribed dose is the 10 mg immediate-release tablet of cyclobenzaprine, you may take two immediate-release 5 mg cyclobenzaprine tablets at once (equal to a 10 mg dose) if you only have the 5 mg tablets on hand.
- If you are taking extended-release cyclobenzaprine (brand name: Amrix), and your doctor has prescribed a 30 mg dose taken once per day, you can take two 15 mg extended-release cyclobenzaprine capsules at once (equal to a 30 mg dose), if you only have the 15 mg capsules on hand.
- It is recommended that your doses be taken at approximately the same time each day.
If you are not sure of your dose or strength, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help in dosing your medicine.
You should NOT exceed the recommended dose prescribed by your healthcare provider. Excessive doses of cyclobenzaprine can lead to dangerous side effects, including a heart side effects, extreme sedation, dizziness and confusion.
Learn more: Cyclobenzaprine Side Effects and Warnings
This is not all the information you need to know about cyclobenzaprine for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Cyclobenzaprine. Prescribing information. Accessed Dec. 18, 2022 at https://www.drugs.com/pro/cyclobenzaprine.html#s-34068-7
- Amrix (cyclobenzaprine extended release capsules). Cephalon LLC. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3902123b-1365-ac3c-0934-afff9eeeb1bd#section-8.3
- Cyclobenzaprine prescribing information. Rising Health LLC. FDA DailyMed. Accessed Dec. 18, 2022 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b12fb4ea-182e-462b-b6ed-cfd2f6bb71e8
- Amrix (cyclobenzaprine extended release capsules). Stat RX USA LLC. FDA DailyMed. Accessed Dec. 18, 2022 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b8ca1d80-6ea9-4a3f-ab06-beedf845de8f
- Cyclobenzaprine. Monograph. Drugs.com. Accessed Dec. 18, 2022 at https://www.drugs.com/monograph/cyclobenzaprine.html
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