07 Apr 2022
Pregnancy is a crucial period in every woman's life. During pregnancy, the lady faces discomfort from muscle-related issues. Most women suffer pain in their calves during pregnancy. The pain may mainly occur at night while sleeping. Let us know how to tackle pain during pregnancy.
Cyclobenzaprine is an effective medication that can be used to control pain during pregnancy. Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to treat sprains, injuries and stiffness due to muscle cramps. It helps to relieve muscle spasms and to treat backpain. Cyclobenzaprine also helps in overcoming pain during physical therapy.
It works to reduce muscle pains and helps you relax. Cyclobenzaprine has a generic name known as Flexeril. Cyclobenzaprine works on the brain and central nervous system. It blocks the pain sensation in nerves and sends signals to your brain to relax.
Can You Take Cyclobenzaprine In Pregnancy?
Yes, Cyclobenzaprine does not impact pregnancy. There is no concrete evidence that proves the negative effect of consuming Cyclobenzaprine during pregnancy.
Cyclobenzaprine falls into Category B medicine. Category B medicines are medicines that are studied on animals and show no adverse effects.
According to the observation from the Food and Drug Administration, it was tested on rats, mice and rabbits in their pregnancy. During the test, the animals were given 20 times more than the required dose. In spite of this, no severe effects were seen on the pregnant animals.
There is no clear evidence Cyclobenzaprine affects a woman during her pregnancy. The medicine can be used safely under the guidance of a medical expert (Di Martino, A., Russo, F., Denaro, L. and Denaro, V., 2017).
Does Cyclobenzaprine Cause Miscarriage?
As per information available through research, there is no evidence that suggests Cyclobenzaprine causes miscarriage during pregnancy.
Safety During Delivery And Breastfeeding After Consuming Cyclobenzaprine
The risk associated with consuming Cyclobenzaprine during delivery is not yet found.
Post-delivery during breastfeeding, a small amount of Cyclobenzaprine tends to mix in breast milk.
If the new mother is required to consume Cyclobenzaprine, she need not discontinue breastfeeding. Research on the exact effects of consuming Cyclobenzaprine during delivery and breastfeeding is on (Burra, B., Datta, P., Rewers-Felkins, K., Baker, T. and Hale, T.W., 2019).
Precautions Before Consuming Cyclobenzaprine
If you have any of the following conditions, then you need to be careful before consuming Cyclobenzaprine:
- If you are allergic to Cyclobenzaprine
- If you are suffering from liver disease
- If you are going through heart problems
- Do not consume alcohol before or after taking Cyclobenzaprine
- If you are about to have any surgical procedure
Forms And Dosages Of Cyclobenzaprine In Pregnancy
Cyclobenzaprine is available in the following two forms and strengths.
Tablet Forms: 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg.
Capsule Forms: 15mg, 30mg.
The dosage in pregnancy is similar to that of the standard dosage. The standard doses are as follows.
Age Group (15-17 years): 5mg - 10mg (3 times a day)
Age Group (18 years and more): 15mg (once a day)
In extreme cases dosage can go up to 30mg if prescribed.
Caution: As per research, Cyclobenzaprine should not be used for more than two or three weeks.
Side Effects Of Cyclobenzaprine In Pregnancy
There are normal and severe side effects that will affect your health if you consume Cyclobenzaprine during pregnancy.
Normal side effects are as follows:
- Tired or drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Weakness in body
Severe side effects are as follows:
- Severe chest pain
- Pain in jaw and shoulders
- Numb in your body parts
- Rashes all over your body
- Trouble breathing
Drug Interactions
Consuming Cyclobenzaprine in pregnancy with other medication can worsen your health.
Medications that may interact with Cyclobenzaprine in pregnancy are as follows:
- Antidepressant medicines
- Anxiety medicines
- Medicines related to stomach ache
- Medicines that treat overactive bladder
- Medicines related to asthma.
Conclusion
Consuming Cyclobenzaprine in pregnancy is safe. It helps women in treating muscle spasms and all other muscle-related issues.
Common side effects that could occur when you take Cyclobenzaprine are dizziness and drowsiness. Do not stop Cyclobenzaprine abruptly. Otherwise, it can lead to severe effects.
