By Edmund Murphy

Last updated: 26 November 2023 & medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon

Flexeril, the brand name for cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant prescribed for mild to moderate muscle pain relief. It is prescribed in different doses depending on the type of muscle pain and how severe it is.

Key takeaways:

  • For mild muscle pain and spasms, the standard dose prescribed is 5mg to be taken a maximum of 3 times a day.

  • Taking Flexeril in the recommended dosage and for the right length of time should pose little to no risk of dependence or addiction forming.

  • While the maximum dose of Cyclobenzaprine is 3 X 10mg daily, it is not advised to take this dose at once, or even 2 x 10mg in one dose.

How much Flexeril can I take in one dose?

For more severe muscle pain the maximum dose is 10mg three times a day. Flexeril should not be taken or prescribed for more than 2 to 3 weeks.[1]

Cyclobenzaprine, commonly found under the brand names Flexeril and Amrix, is a muscle-relaxing prescription drug used for mild to moderate muscular and musculoskeletal conditions. 

For mild muscle pain and muscle spasm, the standard dose prescribed is 5mg to be taken a maximum of 3 times a day.[1]

Taking Flexeril in the recommended dosage and for the right length of time should pose little to no risk of dependence or addiction forming. Abusing the drug in higher doses or combining it with other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines increases the risk of addiction as well as the potential for overdose.

What is the dose of immediate-release cyclobenzaprine?

The recommended dose of immediate-release cyclobenzaprine is 5 mg three times a day. This dose can be prescribed for adults and young people 15 years of age and older.[1]

What is the dose of extended-release cyclobenzaprine?

An extended-release cyclobenzaprine capsule is also available that is taken orally once daily for adults. The prescribed adult dose for the extended-release product is 15 mg taken once daily. For some patients, the doctor may recommend a 30 mg once-daily dose.[1]

Can I take 2 Cyclobenzaprine 10mg at the same time?

While the maximum dose of Cyclobenzaprine is 3 X 10mg daily, it is not advised to take this dose at once, or even 2 x 10mg in one dose.

Overtaking Flexeril, even in the daily recommended dose, can lead to uncomfortable side effects such as dry mouth, headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, and stomach pain.

It also increases the risk of abusing the substance, which may lead to dependence forming. 

Can you mix Flexeril with other substances?

In some cases, Flexeril is fine to take alongside other substances. However, there are some drug combinations with Flexeril that may result in negative side effects, some of which can cause severe health conditions. Always speak to a healthcare professional before taking another medication alongside Flexeril.

Flexeril overdose

Another potential side effect of Flexeril abuse is cyclobenzaprine overdose, especially if taken in conjunction with other substances such as other CNS depressants like alcohol. Flexeril causes the body to become relaxed and abusing the substance in high doses can lead to cardiac arrest, low blood pressure, heart attack, and seizures. 

Signs someone is having a Flexeril overdose include:

  • Vomiting

  • Slurred speech

  • Rapid heartbeat/irregular heartbeat

  • Hallucinations

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Chest pain

  • Liver damage