Cyclobenzaprine is a medication used, in conjunction with physical therapy, to treat muscle spasms that occur because of acute musculoskeletal conditions.
After sustaining an injury, muscle spasms to stabilize the affected body part occur, which may increase pain to prevent further damage.
It is used to treat such muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.
Cyclobenzaprine decreases pain in the first two weeks, peaking in the first few days, but has no proven benefit after two weeks. Since no benefit is proven beyond that, therapy should not be continued long-term. It is the best studied muscle relaxer.
It is not useful for spasticity due to neurologic conditions such as cerebral palsy and it may also be used along with other treatments for tetanus.
Use is not recommended for more than a few weeks.
