Cyclobenzaprine vs Hydrocodone – detailed comparison:
Cyclobenzaprine
It is the name of a central nervous system depressant and a skeletal muscle relaxant (brand name – Flexeril). It acts on the locus coeruleus (the main site for brain synthesis of norepinephrine), which is involved with physiological responses to stress and panic.
Uses
This medication is used to relieve stiffness, discomfort, and pain caused by injuries, sprains, or strains to the muscles. Also, it helps relax certain muscles in the body.
Important note – since this central nervous system depressant is prescribed to be used as part of recovery, the typical user only takes this medication for 2 to 3 weeks. This should be enough time to allow any muscle injury or damage to heal.
Dosage
The recommended dosage is 5 or 10 mg three times per day using immediate-release tablets or 15 or 30 mg once per day using extended-release tablets.
Seniors and people who suffer from hepatic impairment may require restricting their dosing of this central nervous system depressant to ensure that it can be eliminated from the body effectively.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- constipation;
- confusion;
- fatigue;
- nervousness;
- dry mouth;
- blurred vision;
- drowsiness;
- unpleasant taste;
- dizziness;
- weakness;
- heartburn.
Less common side effects may include:
- coordination problems;
- ringing in the ears;
- flushing;
- insomnia (sleep problems);
- double vision;
- tremors;
- a general ill feeling;
- loss of taste;
- loss of appetite;
- increased sweating;
- diarrhea;
- spinning sensation.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There are no well-done clinical studies on women for determining infant risk when using this central nervous system depressant during breastfeeding. Therefore, weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this drug while breastfeeding a baby.
More importantly, there are no well-done clinical studies on pregnant women, hence, before using this medication, contact your doctor.
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Contraindications
Do not take this medication if you:
- have abnormal heart rhythms;
- have heart block or conduction disturbances;
- are allergic to any ingredients of this central nervous system depressant;
- have congestive heart failure;
- are in the acute recovery phase after a heart attack;
- are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors;
- have an overactive thyroid gland.
Overdose
If you overdose on this central nervous system depressant, you may experience the following symptoms:
- heart palpitations;
- vomiting;
- breathing difficulty;
- unusual muscle stiffness;
- extreme nervousness;
- unstable temperature;
- restlessness;
- tiredness;
- flushed skin;
- hallucinations;
- seizure.
If you experience these symptoms, you should get medical attention immediately.
Alcohol
Avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with this central nervous system depressant because alcohol can increase the risk of side effects, such as – difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, and dizziness.
Hydrocodone
It is the name of a medication that belongs to a group of medications called narcotic analgesics. It is found under the following brand names – Hysingla ER or Zohydro ER.
This drug works by changing the way the nervous system and brain respond to pain.
Uses
This prescription medication is used to relieve severe pain.
Dosage
It comes in an extended-release capsule form and is taken twice per day.
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Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- feeling tired;
- vomiting;
- back pain;
- nausea;
- muscle spasms;
- stomach pain;
- tremors;
- constipation;
- a sore throat;
- dry mouth;
- itching;
- swelling of the hands or feet;
- drowsiness;
- headaches;
- sneezing;
- dizziness;
- a stuffy nose.
Rare side effects may include:
- a light-headed feeling like you might pass out;
- shallow breathing;
- missed menstrual periods;
- pain when you urinate;
- loss of interest in sex;
- severe drowsiness;
- sexual problems;
- tremors;
- impotence;
- confusion;
- loss of appetite;
- infertility;
- worsening tiredness.
To make sure that this narcotic analgesic is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
- urination problems;
- any type of breathing problem;
- kidney disease;
- seizures;
- liver disease;
- mental illness;
- brain tumor;
- a heart rhythm disorder called long QT syndrome;
- a head injury;
- if you use a sedative like Valium;
- problems with the pancreas, gallbladder, or thyroid;
- drug or alcohol addiction.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while using this narcotic analgesic since dangerous side effects may occur.
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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed while taking this narcotic analgesic since it can pass into breast milk and cause negative effects on the infant, like – breathing problems or drowsiness.
Moreover, if you use this medication while you are pregnant, your baby could become addicted to this narcotic analgesic. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant.
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
-
- medications for motion sickness, irritable bowel disease, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, or urinary problems;
- antidepressants;
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as – phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
- Ipratropium (Atrovent);
- partial agonist analgesics and mixed agonists/antagonists, like – nalbuphine, butorphanol, or buprenorphine;
- ciprofloxacin;
- sleeping pills;
- antihistamines;
- medications that may alter the electrical activity of the heart;
- antipsychotics (medications for mental illness);
- tranquilizers;
- methocarbamol;
- sedatives;
- medications that could lead to serotonin syndrome, like – escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), fluvoxamine (Luvox), trimipramine (Surmontil), protriptyline (Vivactil), nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), or linezolid (Zyvox).
Addiction
This medication may be habit-forming. Do not take more of it or in a different way than directed by your healthcare specialist.
Bottom Line – Cyclobenzaprine vs Hydrocodone
Cyclobenzaprine (brand name – Flexeril) is a muscle relaxant that is prescribed as an adjunct to physical therapy and rest for the relief of muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.
It works by inhibiting motor signals which can cause involuntary muscle contractions and muscle spasms.
Hydrocodone (brand names – Hysingla ER or Zohydro ER) is an opioid narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant which is indicated to relieve severe pain. It is only used to treat people who cannot be treated with other treatments or medications.
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References https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/017821s045lbl.pdf https://study.com/academy/lesson/cyclobenzaprine-interactions-indications.html https://www.empr.com/drugs-in-the-pipeline/sublingual-drug-shows-promise-in-