Amrix
Generic Name: Cyclobenzaprine
What is Amrix?
Amrix is a muscle relaxant to be used in addition to rest and physical therapy for the relief of muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.What is the most important information I should know about Amrix?
Amrix should not be taken if you use monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as isocarboxazid, selegiline, etc., or within 14 days of stopping of MAOIs.Amrix should not be taken if you have heart conditions such as a recent heart attack, arrhythmia, heart block conduction disturbances, or congestive heart failure.
Do not take Amrix if you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
Amrix is closely related to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. This class of drugs includes medications such as amitriptyline and imipramine. Drugs within this class have been reported to produce serious heart conditions that can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Amrix may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants and may impair your ability to operate machinery or drive.
Use of Amrix is not recommended if you have mild to moderate liver impairment or you are elderly.
Amrix should be used with caution if you have a history of urinary retention, angle-closure glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure, and in patients taking anticholinergic medications (such as atropine, scopolamine, etc.)
Who should not take Amrix?
Amrix should not be taken if you take MAOIs (such as isocarboxazid, selegiline, etc.) or within 14 days of stopping of MAOIs. You should also avoid Amrix if you have hyperthyroidism or heart conditions such as recent heart attack, arrhythmia, heart block conduction disturbances, or congestive heart failure. You should not use Amrix if you are allergic to it or any of its components.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Amrix?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Amrix. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have any heart conditions, suffer from any sort of liver problems, have glaucoma, have any type of urinating problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or will need to operate machinery or perform dangerous tasks while on this medicine.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The recommended dosage for most adults is one 15 milligram (mg) capsule taken once daily. Some patients may require up to 30 mg a day, given as one 30-mg capsule taken once daily or two 15-mg capsules taken once daily.
How should I take Amrix?
Amrix should be taken at approximately the same time each day, and only for short periods, up to 2 or 3 weeks.What should I avoid while taking Amrix?
Avoid operating dangerous machinery or driving while taking Amrix until you know how this medication affects you.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Amrix?
If Amrix is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Amrix with the following: alcohol, barbiturates (such as butabarbital, butalbital, phenobarbital) and other CNS depressants, MAOIs (such as isocarboxazid, selegiline, etc.), guanethidine, or tramadol.What are the possible side effects of Amrix?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, altered taste, heart palpitations, tremor, acne, disturbance in attention
Can I receive Amrix if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Amrix has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. Although tests on laboratory animals have shown no birth defects, Amrix should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.It is not known if Amrix appears in breast milk. Talk with your doctor before taking this drug if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Amrix?
If you miss a dose of Amrix, skip that dose. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take two doses at one time.How should I store Amrix?
Store at room temperature, away from light.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
