Cyclobenzaprine is primarily used as a muscle relaxant to treat muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions, such as injuries that cause muscle or joint pain. It is typically prescribed as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy and is intended for short-term use (usually up to 2–3 weeks), since its effectiveness has not been shown for longer durations[1][2][3][4][5][7].
Cyclobenzaprine works by acting on the central nervous system to reduce muscle hyperactivity, thereby decreasing muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness. While its exact mechanism is not fully understood, its structure is related to tricyclic antidepressants[3][5][7].
Other uses may include off-label treatment of myofascial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders and preliminary research in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), though these are not FDA-approved indications and require further study[5].
References
- [1] Cyclobenzaprine (oral route) – Mayo Clinic
- [2] Cyclobenzaprine: What Is It? Side Effects & Interactions – Cleveland Clinic
- [3] Cyclobenzaprine Uses, Dosage & Side Effects – Drugs.com
- [4] Cyclobenzaprine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [5] Cyclobenzaprine – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- [7] Cyclobenzaprine – Wikipedia