Concern With Taking Flexeril And Gabapentin Together

Answer

Thank you for reaching out!

I understand your concern about being prescribed both gabapentin and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and how to take them safely.

Watch For Additive Side Effects

It's not uncommon for Flexeril and gabapentin to be prescribed together. However, it's important to be aware of the potential drug interaction between them due to their side effect profile.

Both drugs are CNS depressants, which means they can cause effects like muscle weakness, confusion, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. Using these drugs together may increase the risks associated with CNS depression, so caution is warranted.

How to Take Them Together

You mentioned your concern about how to take them both safely during the day, as both are prescribed to be taken every 8 hours (Flexeril three times daily is essentially the same as every 8 hours).

Firstly, double-check if these drugs, especially Flexeril, are supposed to be taken every 8 hours consistently. In most cases, Flexeril should be taken only on an as-needed basis every 8 hours. This means taking the drug only if you need it, and separating doses by at least 8 hours.

If you are taking gabapentin and Flexeril on the same day, how you do so is up to you and your doctor. You can take them at the same time, but be cautious of potential additive side effects (such as sedation).

You could also separate their intake by a few hours. However, it's still likely you will experience some additive side effects, albeit possibly to a lesser degree.

Having said all of this, there is no definitive recommendation on how to take Flexeril and gabapentin on the same day. It's best to speak with your doctor about what will work best for you and your medication regimen.

In my opinion, if you are supposed to take both drugs consistently, I'd start at low doses of each, assess your tolerability, and then increase to your target dose. Separating the intake of both drugs by a few hours may help somewhat with the side effects, but there is still a risk. Again, talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

Final Thoughts

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.