Flexeril is a type of medicine called cyclobenzaprine. Specialists give it to you when your muscles are harmed, perhaps from lifting something weighty or playing sports. It helps your muscles relax, and it is used along with other things like resting and doing exercises.

Cyclobenzaprine was made in a lab in 1961, and people started using it as medicine in 1977. At first, scientists thought it could be used to make people feel less sad, like some other medicines, but it is different from one called Amitriptyline because of a tiny change in its structure.

Specialists normally say you ought to just take meds like Flexeril for as long as three weeks. From that point forward, they probably won’t assist with muscle issues, and they might prompt a few difficult issues like falls, broken bones, mishaps while driving, or even issues with utilizing the medication to an extreme or becoming exceptionally ill from it.

What is Flexeril

Flexeril, which is the brand name for the medication cyclobenzaprine, is a prescription drug categorized as a muscle relaxant. Its primary function is to alleviate muscle spasms that arise from musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those that are acute or sudden in onset. While it helps with pain relief, it doesn’t directly target the pain itself. Instead, Flexeril works by affecting the way your central nervous system transmits signals between your nerves and muscles. By interrupting these signals, Flexeril helps to reduce muscle tightness and involuntary contractions, thereby promoting relaxation and improving your range of motion.

It’s important to note that Flexeril is typically used in conjunction with other treatment methods for muscle spasms, such as rest and physical therapy. This is because Flexeril offers short-term relief, and physical therapy can help address the underlying causes of the muscle spasms and prevent them from recurring in the long run. 

Flexeril is not meant to be a long-term solution and is usually prescribed for a maximum of two to three weeks. It’s also crucial to remember that Flexeril can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so it’s not recommended to operate machinery or drive while taking this medication. If you’re considering Flexeril to treat your muscle spasms, consult with a doctor to discuss if it’s the right course of treatment for you and to go over potential side effects and interactions with other medications you might be taking.

Why Was Flexeril Discontinued?

Flexeril, the brand name, is no longer sold in the US because the company that makes it, Merck & Co. Inc., chose to quit selling it for business reasons. However, there are still other versions of the same medicine with different names, like Amrix and Fexmid, that you can get.

The medicine called Cyclobenzaprine, which is in Flexeril, was allowed to be used as a medicine in the US in 1977. In 2019, it was one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the US, with over 15 million prescriptions. Notwithstanding, you can’t get it in the Assembled Realm beginning around 2012.

Involving Flexeril in the incorrect manner can be exceptionally risky and once in a while even perilous.It’s supposed to be used for a short time, but some people use it for a long time, and it’s given to groups of people who might be at risk of having problems like taking too much or having bad reactions to it.

Impact On Customer

A customer who relies on Flexeril for muscle pain relief likely wouldn’t face discontinuation issues since cyclobenzaprine, the generic equivalent, is still available. They might need to discuss switching to the generic with their doctor and possibly adjust their co-pay with insurance. In rare cases, some pharmacies may not stock the generic, but others typically carry it. If a customer struggles to find cyclobenzaprine, they should talk to their doctor about alternative muscle relaxants.

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Try Other Options

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a prescription muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms caused by musculoskeletal conditions. Here are 4 alternative options to Flexeril:

1. Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). They can help reduce pain and inflammation, which can indirectly relax muscles.

2. Heat Therapy

Applying heat to the affected area can help improve blood flow and relax muscles.

3. Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen your muscles, which can help improve flexibility and reduce pain.

4. Other Prescription Muscle Relaxants

If over-the-counter options and non-medicinal approaches aren’t effective, your doctor may prescribe a different muscle relaxant. Some alternatives include methocarbamol (Robaxin), carisoprodol (Soma), or tizanidine (Zanaflex).

What is the very best muscle relaxer?

There isn’t a Single “Very Best” Muscle Relaxer Because:

• Individual Needs: The best option depends on the underlying cause of your muscle tightness and your own medical history.
• Effectiveness: Muscle relaxants, including prescription options, don’t always provide significant relief, and the effectiveness can vary from person to person.
• Side Effects: Prescription muscle relaxants often cause drowsiness and dizziness, impacting daily activities.

Here’s a Breakdown to Help You Choose:

• For Mild Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen might be sufficient.
• For Short-Term Relief: Prescription muscle relaxers like Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) can be helpful, but discuss with your doctor due to side effects.
• Non-Medicinal Approaches: Heat therapy, massage, and physical therapy can effectively target muscle tension and improve flexibility without medication.

Is There Hope for a Comeback?

There’s no strong indication Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) will make a major comeback as the brand name medication. The generic version offers the same benefits at a lower cost, making it the more favorable option. Additionally, cyclobenzaprine can cause drowsiness, and there might be a push for medications with fewer side effects. 

However, if new research emerges highlighting unique advantages of the Flexeril brand, or if there are improvements in delivery methods (like a less drowsy formulation), then a Flexeril resurgence could be possible, though not very likely.

FAQs – Why Was Flexeril Discontinued 

What is Flexeril?

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a prescription muscle relaxant used to relieve muscle spasms and pain, often caused by strains or injuries. It’s typically used along with rest and physical therapy.

Is Flexeril Discontinued?

The brand name Flexeril itself is discontinued in the U.S., but the generic version, cyclobenzaprine, is widely available and prescribed.

How Does Flexeril Work?

The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but Flexeril is thought to work by affecting chemicals in the brain that signal pain and muscle tightness.