Excessive levels of tiredness, muscular pains, being dehydrated, stressful conditions as well as anxieties can trigger spasms or cramping of muscles. These muscular conditions are more common among older people and those who are overweight. It is also encountered by athletes, pregnant women, etc. Though minor or short-term discomforts may not need drugs, regular occurrences of spasms are treated with drugs. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride is a muscle relaxant administered chiefly for treating short-term spells of spasms. But do you know the differences between cyclobenzaprine and cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride? It becomes necessary to understand the major differences.
Minor forms of spasms or cramps may get cured within a few seconds; this occurs when your muscle reverts to its original shape and form. You need to know that dehydration may also trigger spasms. Doctors may advise you to take needful amount of water for treating dehydration-triggered spasms or cramps.
However, if you are experiencing cramps more often, it is time to talk to your caregiving team. In general, drugs belonging to a category called muscle relaxants are administered to treat spasms. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride is a useful medication drug; it is also available as a branded formulation. You are advised to take rest as well as pursue physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. But, how does this med differ from cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride
What is cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxing medication. Its active chemicals block nerve signals / impulses your brain commonly receives. This med is taken for a short span of time – of about 12 – 15 days. It is available as an oral pill. It is also sold as an extended or delayed release variant. You can get the generic as well as branded versions of cyclobenzaprine.
What is cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride?
Similar to the above med, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride is also a muscle relaxant. It is taken for a short period – 14 – 18 days, to treat spasms, stiffness of muscles, etc. Its essential ingredients help relax your muscles, and thus relieve cramps.
What are the differences between cyclobenzaprine and cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride?
There is not much difference between these two medications. The “hydrochloride” form goes through dehydration as part of the finishing process. Branded offerings include Flexeril and Fexmid (widely sold as a 7.5 mg pill). Another popular brand is amrix – which is available as 15 mg pills.
Side effects these drugs cause have a lot of things in common. Users often witness adverse effects like difficulties to pass stools, heartburns, overall weakness or tiredness, being in a confused state of mind, drowsiness as well as dizziness.
Your medication plan depends on your muscular condition, intensity of pain / allied discomforts, prior illnesses – if any, existing treatment plans pursued, etc. Overdose of cyclobenzaprine may lead to a few serious outcomes. Very adverse effects include erratic heartbeats, tremors (involuntary shaking or twitching of muscles), cardiac conditions (like pain in chest/angina and sharp pain in your jaw, throat or arm), etc.
On witnessing one or more of these adverse side effects, you are advised to consult with your caregiver immediately. Those who live in US need to call 911 without any further delay. If you are a resident of any of the Canadian provinces, dial Health Canada or rush to a poison control unit.
On the pricing front, generic version of cyclobenzaprine (hydrochloride) is cheaper than its branded forms. You are advised to check with your insurance service provider to check if your plan covers the cost of these muscle relaxants. In general, cost of this med depends on where you reside (the area you live); pricing may also depend on which pharmacy you buy this drug from. Last but not least, this med is not an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Never take it without having a valid prescription of your caregiving team.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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