Can You Take Lyrica And Flexeril Together?

Introduction

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While Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Lyrica (pregabalin) don't affect how the other works, it is important to know they are both considered CNS (central nervous system) depressants and therefore, may have additive side effects (e.g., increased risk of sedation) when used together.

There are certain situations where both drugs are used together and can represent the best treatment option for someone, but it is important to know about their potential for additive side effects. They should not be combined unless specifically directed by your doctor.

What is Flexeril?

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) belongs to a class of medications known as skeletal muscle relaxants, which are used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, and other methods to ease muscle tension and alleviate pain and discomfort resulting from muscle strains, sprains, and other injuries.

It works by blocking nerve impulses that are sent to the brain, which can help to reduce muscle tension and pain.

Full patient information on Flexeril can be found here:

• Cyclobenzaprine Drug Information

What is Lyrica?

Lyrica (pregabalin) is used to treat neuropathic pain caused by diabetes or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and to relieve pain after a spinal cord injury.

It's also used to treat fibromyalgia and certain types of seizures in adults and children.

Pregabalin works by reducing the number of pain signals sent out by damaged nerves in the body.

Full patient information on Lyrica can be found here:

• Pregabalin Drug Information

Can You Take Them Together?

It is generally not recommended to take Flexeril and Lyrica together without first consulting with a healthcare provider. This is because the combination of these medications can increase the risk of side effects and other complications.

Having said this, they are sometimes used together in certain individuals, but this should only be done if your doctor directs you to do so.

As mentioned, Flexeril and Lyrica don't interact in terms of them altering the effectiveness of the other, but they do share some side effects, which could be additive when both are taken together.

The primary concern with their combined use is additive sedative effects.

Do They Share Any Side Effects?

Yes, Flexeril and Lyrica do share some side effects, which is why some online drug interaction checkers will list an interaction between the two drugs.

Both drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion (especially at higher doses).

They may also cause dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. In rare cases, they can cause more serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, and severe skin reactions.

A list of side effects both drugs share is as follows:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation

Are There Studies Evaluating Combined Use?

Although there have been very few studies specifically examining the combined use of Flexeril and Lyrica, several studies have investigated the potential risks associated with using multiple CNS depressants concurrently, including muscle relaxants like Flexeril and anticonvulsants like Lyrica.

These studies suggest that the simultaneous use of these medications may increase the risk of unwanted effects, such as sedation, dizziness, impaired coordination, and respiratory depression.

Moreover, the risk of these adverse events may be greater in elderly patients, patients with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, and those taking higher doses of these medications.

The risk of respiratory depression, a very serious concern, with both of these medications, is low but is important to be aware of this, especially if you have a breathing condition or are taking other drugs that could impact your respiration.

How To Manage The Interaction

Using two or more drugs that can depress the central nervous system (CNS) may be appropriate in some cases.

However, it's crucial to understand that combining such drugs can increase the risk of undesirable effects, such as sedation and dizziness.

It may be necessary to reduce the dose of one or both drugs, but be sure to only adjust doses if you are instructed to do so by your doctor.

Additionally, it is important to avoid the use of other drugs that have CNS depressant effects, which can include over-the-counter drugs, like NyQuil and Benadryl.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed you Flexeril and Lyrica together, it is important to follow their instructions carefully.

Here are some tips to help manage the interaction between these two medications:

• Take the medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider of any side effects you experience.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medications affect you.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications.
• Do not stop taking or adjust the dose of either medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider and report any changes in your condition.

Conclusion

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To sum up, Flexeril and Lyrica can both be effective medications for managing certain conditions, and they are sometimes used together.

However, the combination of these medications can increase the risk of side effects and other complications.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed both medications for you, they will likely monitor you closely and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.