Cyclobenzaprine is a generic prescription drug used to treat muscle spasms. The drug comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s usually taken three times per day.

Cyclobenzaprine is used in adults and certain children to treat muscle spasms caused by short-term muscle injuries. It is used along with physical therapy and rest as part of a complete treatment plan.

Cyclobenzaprine belongs to a group of drugs called muscle relaxants.

This article describes the dosages of cyclobenzaprine, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about cyclobenzaprine, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of cyclobenzaprine. Keep reading to learn more.

What is cyclobenzaprine’s form?

Cyclobenzaprine is available as an oral tablet that you swallow.

What strengths does cyclobenzaprine come in?

Cyclobenzaprine comes in three strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 7.5 mg, and 10 mg.

What are the usual dosages of cyclobenzaprine?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the lowest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for muscle spasms

Cyclobenzaprine is prescribed to treat a temporary muscle injury, such as muscle strain.

The typical starting dosage of cyclobenzaprine for adults with muscle spasms is 5 mg three times per day. Depending on how you respond to treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 10 mg three times per day if needed.

Cyclobenzaprine is recommended for short-term use for 2 to 3 weeks, along with rest and physical therapy, as part of a complete treatment plan.

If you have questions about cyclobenzaprine dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What’s the dosage of cyclobenzaprine for children?

Cyclobenzaprine is used to help treat muscle spasms in children ages 15 years and older.

The dosage used in children is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of cyclobenzaprine?” section.

For more information about cyclobenzaprine’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

How to take cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine comes as an oral tablet that you swallow. You can take cyclobenzaprine with or without food. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, see this helpful article for tips. The manufacturer of cyclobenzaprine doesn’t have information about whether it’s safe to cut, crush, or chew cyclobenzaprine tablets.

If you have questions about how to take cyclobenzaprine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is cyclobenzaprine used long term?

No, cyclobenzaprine is not used as a long-term treatment. It is only for short-term use for 2 to 3 weeks to relieve temporary muscle spasms from a short-term muscle injury. It is used along with physical therapy and rest as part of a complete treatment plan.

If you have questions about how long to use cyclobenzaprine, talk with your doctor.

Do not take more cyclobenzaprine than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much cyclobenzaprine

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much cyclobenzaprine. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about cyclobenzaprine’s dosage.

Can cyclobenzaprine be used for sleep or back pain? If so, what is the dosage?

No, cyclobenzaprine is not approved for better sleep or treating back pain. It is a muscle relaxant used to treat temporary muscle injuries, such as muscle strain.

Cyclobenzaprine may cause sleepiness as a common side effect. Also, if you’re experiencing back pain or spasms due to a muscle strain in your back, cyclobenzaprine may help reduce your back pain. But, there is no dosage recommendations for cyclobenzaprine for sleep or back pain.

If you have questions about cyclobenzaprine’s uses, dosages and effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Is cyclobenzaprine’s dosage based on weight?

No. Cyclobenzaprine dosage is not based on weight. The typical starting dosage is 5 mg three times per day. Your doctor may increase your dosage to a maximum of 10 mg three times per day if needed to treat your condition.

In certain cases, such as in older adults (ages 65 years and older) or in people who have mild liver problems, a doctor may start on a lower dose of cyclobenzaprine or a different dosing schedule. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage with respect to your age.

Is it safe to take two cyclobenzaprine 10 mg oral tablets at the same time?

No. Taking two 10 mg tablets of cyclobenzaprine for a dose of 20 mg at one time is not a recommended dose. The maximum recommended dosage of cyclobenzaprine is 10 mg three times per day.

If you have questions about your dose of cyclobenzaprine, talk with your doctor.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.