NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Cyclobenzaprine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants, used for the short-term relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Cyclobenzaprine is most effective when used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy. It is not effective for spasticity from upper motor neuron disorders.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2020–2026
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants, used for the short-term relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 5–10 mg three times daily; recommended for short-term use (2–3 weeks) (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Short-term relief of acute muscle spasm1,2
  • Improved sleep quality in patients with muscle pain2,4
  • Adjunct to rest and physical therapy
  • Reduction of local muscle tenderness4,7
What to watch for
  • Drowsiness (most common)
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Known hypersensitivity to cyclobenzaprine1,2
  • Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors or within 14 days

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: short-term relief of acute muscle spasm, improved sleep quality in patients with muscle pain, adjunct to rest and physical therapy. 10 sources indexed (2020–2026), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Acts primarily within the brainstem to reduce tonic somatic motor activity by influencing both gamma and alpha motor neurons. It reduces muscle hyperactivity without directly acting on skeletal muscle, the neuromuscular junction, or the spinal cord. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it may involve effects on descending serotonergic pathways in the brainstem reticular formation.

Class
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
5–10 mg three times daily; recommended for short-term use (2–3 weeks) (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet or extended-release capsule

Can be taken with or without food; may cause significant drowsiness, take at bedtime if sedation is bothersome

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Drowsiness (most common)
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Urinary retention

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to cyclobenzaprine1,2
  • Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors or within 14 days
  • Acute recovery phase of myocardial infarction2,3
  • Arrhythmias, heart block, or conduction disturbances
  • Heart failure
  • Hyperthyroidism
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

1

Randomized controlled trials

3

Reviews & position papers

1

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Cyclobenzaprine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Cyclobenzaprine?

A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants, used for the short-term relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Cyclobenzaprine is most effective when used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy. It is not effective for spasticity from upper motor neuron disorders.

What is Cyclobenzaprine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Cyclobenzaprine include: Short-term relief of acute muscle spasm; Improved sleep quality in patients with muscle pain; Adjunct to rest and physical therapy; Reduction of local muscle tenderness. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Cyclobenzaprine?

A typical adult dose of Cyclobenzaprine is 5–10 mg three times daily; recommended for short-term use (2–3 weeks) (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet or extended-release capsule. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Cyclobenzaprine?

Reported side effects include drowsiness (most common), dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, blurred vision. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Cyclobenzaprine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Cyclobenzaprine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.