Several months ago, I developed a second case of shingles. It took several days for my dentist to identify my problem. I thought I had an issue with a tooth that needed a root canal. She could not get the tooth to present in a way that would isolate my symptoms so she sent me to an endodontist. After hearing my symptoms, he told me that I was having some type of muscle/skeletal issue because the symptoms I was describing never are the result of teeth. I went back to my dentist with this information and she pulled up my symptoms on the computer. As I was reading the symptoms, it dawned on me that it was shingles.......presenting in my jaw. What a nightmare. I couldn't eat or drink for days. She put me on this muscle relaxer, valtrex and steroids. This muscle relaxer made all the difference in the world. It caused my symptoms to calm down long enough for me to at least drink water. I can only say that this medicine helped me so very much. I am appeciative not only of this medicine but my very compassionate dentist. She cared enough to get to the root of the problem instead of sending me to many different specialists.

dawna0123

SmallTown, TX

I was in an automobile accident in May of 2010.This was ten months ago and I continue to have problems. The accident left me with a T12 compression fracture (broken back). My Orthopedic Doctor told me that I may ***never*** get over it. Surgery is not recommended for this fracture,however a Back Brace was recommended. The back brace has been a big help. I think that the Flexeril has helped the most. I was given a prescription for Flexeril 10mg to be taken as follows: Flexeril 10 mg tablet-! by mouth three times a day, dispense ninety tablets. The pain I experianced was unbelievable but it was a lot worse with any kind of movement. whenever I moved it was like a grabbing,excruciating pain. Kind of like severe muscle spasms! I tried to time trips to the bathroom around Flexeril doses. I could tell a big difference if I went to the bathroom about 30-45 minutes after taking a Flexeril. Flexeril is a muscle relaxer. It has been very effective for me and I do not know how I would of gotten through this ordeal without it. Flexeril is not habit. forming. Flexeril may cause drowsiness or dizziness so do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it will effect you.As with all medicines Flexeril has side effects that may effect everone differently.

momofyorkies

Rocky Mount, NC

After having a car accident and suffering a lot of back pain as a result, I needed an inexpensive muscle relaxer that was strong enough to relieve my pain and allow me to get adequate rest. This medication certainly allows you to rest, as I felt like I was "out of it" (slurred speech, tired, groggy) for two full days! Flexeril did not help my back pain as much as I hoped, and made me way too tired to be able to use it on a frequent basis. One of the side effects of Flexeril that I experienced was a constant feeling of dry "cotton-mouth". The medication made me feel thirsty no matter how much liquids I attemtp to drink while taking it. At times, while sleeping, I would wake up with thirsty urges and would drink a ton of water to try to make them go away. Honestly, I did not notice much more of a difference in my back pain while taking Flexeril than when I took something else, such as Aleve or Motrin. The fatigue that accompanied the medicine made it almost impossible for me to function normally, as I spent so much time "knocked out"!

msretro

Frisco, TX

I've been in Pain Management for five years due to tarlov cyst disease; herniations and arthritis of my spine and although my neurologist has me on narcotics during the day for chronic pain, I still wake up every night suffering.  The pain literally wakes me up and I have to move around and take a warm bath to ease it.  My doctor prescribed me with this medication "Flexeril" in hopes that I might able to get a good, solid night of rest.  I was able to do this as long as I took the medication right before I went to bed each night but my problem with this drug is that you wake up still sleepy and groggy.  Personally, I can't stand walking around in the ozone and not thinking clearly.  Ironically, I was always against any type of drug all of my life and now I find myself in a position where I cannot move in the morning unless I have a narcotic in my system.  I want to be fully aware and functioning.  This drug just doesn't do it for me.  Now the doctor is trying injections to help with swelling and inflammation.  We will just have to see.

dmdifalco

Fort Gratiot, MI

With muscle relaxers it is sometimes try and try until it is the right one. This drug has been around since the 80s and does great for certain things.When I first hurt my back lifting a couch, when I was 17,the doctro prescribed me flexiril and tylenol #3 . I had to crawl to the bathroom before the meds.Well I took it and it knocked me in the dirt.I awoke feeling like I had been on a drunk.I couldn't drink enough water..I was alittle sore but it did its job that night.This is a drug for a severe, case of back or upper back pain casued from strain or spasms.There is no worse pain than to lay and with out even trying a certain set of muscles begin to spasam.Have you ever had a butt spasm.Well to put it simply is that thsi drug is like I SAID I BELIEVE A CERTAIN TYPE OF INJURY.I am not an expert but for being a patient using it and seeing others on it , I feel I can give a little insight on this med.I enjoy being able to freely move around with a set of muscle deciding to lock upor to pull a set of not used muscles.Eexercise sometimes prevents this but if you ever have to pull something from an awkward position, then expect this pulling sensation followed by a burn sensation.TIME TO SEE THE DOCTOR!

paramedic7600

Franklin, GA

I have had fibromyalgia for many years now and constantly hope for a medication that will really work to provide pain relief.  One of the many drugs that I have tried is **Flexeril Muscle Relaxer - Generic Name: Cyclobenzaprine. ** **Flexeril** is a prescription medication that actually acts as a muscle relaxer but it also provides relief from pain sensation.  For me it is not necessarily a matter of muscles tensing, though they do that the more pain I am in, it is the "blocking" of pain that is most effective on Fibromyalgia.  The good news is that **Flexeril** is not habit forming and that it does provide me with relief. Sometimes a lot of pain relief, sometimes a little, and sometimes just enough to keep going. The bad news is that while I can stay "going" after taking **Flexeril** eventually I have to crash and burn and will end up sleeping for hours. I am just one of those people it affects that way.  I take this medication infrequently and **Flexeril** provides me with the relief I need, to get by. Sometimes even more than that, but it consistently makes me feel better even if I do end up sleeping it off and that is what matters. 

LisaCarey

Houston, TX

A recent flare-up, of an old back injury, sent me to the ER.  Flexeril was a great answer, at first.  It took care of the pain and muscle spasms (that are compounded by my Cerebral Palsy).  But after a short period of interment use, Flexeril no longer helped my back pain and spasms.  I have built a tolerance to it, and I am now searching for another drug for long-term pain management. Flexeril is not the answer, at least not for me...and perhaps not for you, if you are looking for medium to long-term treatment or management of your pain and/or muscle spasms.  Depending on your circumstances and prognosis, you may want to ask your doctor about possible issues with building a tolerance to Flexeril and its effectiveness over time.* But in my experience, I would say Flexeril is only good for breaking the initial flare-up and not long-term use.  But, again I am not a doctor and I can only speak from my experiences.  Consult your physician. * My CP may also complicate matters.

Sammyantha81

Irvine, CA

There are times when I would be unable to move if it weren't for Flexeril.  This muscle relaxant is, by far, one of the most effective medications that I have ever taken.  Flexeril works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.  Taking Flexeril enables my body to relax and stop tensing up, which in itself is an effective way in relieving pain. Flexeril is available by prescription only, and it is NON HABIT FORMING.  It is not a medication I take every day, only when I need it.  It makes me extrememly tired, however, and it isn't something I can take if I will be active or driving.  Mainly I take it at night, a few hours before bedtime.  It will make you groggy in the morning until your body has become accustomed to it.  I've found that drinking caffeine is the best way to shake the groggy feeling. NEVER TAKE FLEXERIL UNLESS IT HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU.  It is illegal to share prescriptions and can be extremely dangerous.  Speak with your doctor about the risks of taking this, and any, medication.  There are certain medications that may interact with Flexeril, or make the medicine not as effective.  Do not use Flexeril if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have: - a heart rhythm disorder - congestive heart failure; - heart block; or - an overactive thyroid. There are possible side effects when taking this, or any, drug.  Be sure to be fully aware of all of these before taking the drug.  I have been using Flexeril for several years, when needed, and have suffered no ill effects.  Tiredness is the only thing I've noticed, which is why I take it at night. The generic name Flexeril is Cyclobenzaprine.  The generic is just as effective as the name brand, but is available at a much lower cost.  I typically take the generic version, and am very happy with the results. If you suffer from muscle spasms, tight muscles, or pain, I would highly recommend Flexeril.  When you are able to relax the part of your body that hurts, it makes an enormous difference.  You may only need to take the medication once or twice to get the relief you need.

jasyjen

Jacksonville, NC