Cyclobenzaprine is primarily used as a muscle relaxant to relieve muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions such as strains, sprains, or injuries. It is typically used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy. The medication helps reduce muscle stiffness, pain, and discomfort by acting on the central nervous system to decrease muscle hyperactivity, particularly in the brain stem, without directly affecting the muscles themselves
. It is most effective for short-term use, generally up to 2 or 3 weeks, as muscle spasms from acute injuries are usually short-lived. Cyclobenzaprine improves muscle spasms, local pain, tenderness, and range of motion, helping patients perform daily activities more comfortably
. Additionally, it is not effective for muscle spasticity caused by neurological conditions like cerebral palsy but may be used off-label for other conditions such as myofascial pain or PTSD symptoms, though more research is needed for these uses
. In summary, cyclobenzaprine is used to:
- Relieve muscle spasms due to acute musculoskeletal injuries
- Reduce associated pain, stiffness, and discomfort
- Be used alongside rest and physical therapy for short-term muscle relaxation
