From the Guidelines
No, Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is not considered a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). According to the study published in the Annual Review of Medicine 1, Cyclobenzaprine is classified as a skeletal muscle relaxant, which is approved for spasticity and musculoskeletal conditions. The study highlights that NSAIDs have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, whereas Cyclobenzaprine works by blocking nerve impulses or pain sensations sent to the brain, acting primarily on the central nervous system to relieve muscle spasms and associated pain.
Key characteristics of NSAIDs, as described in the study 1, include the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which accounts for both their therapeutic and adverse effects. In contrast, Cyclobenzaprine does not reduce inflammation or work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. The study also notes that Cyclobenzaprine has shown benefit for fibromyalgia, but its use is distinct from that of NSAIDs.
It is essential to recognize the differences in the side effect profiles between Cyclobenzaprine and NSAIDs. While NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation, increased bleeding risk, and kidney issues, Cyclobenzaprine may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness, as reported in the study 1. Patients taking Cyclobenzaprine should be aware of these potential side effects and avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how the medication affects them.
The primary use of Cyclobenzaprine is for short-term treatment (2-3 weeks) of acute muscle spasms, often alongside other pain management strategies. The study 1 emphasizes the importance of considering alternative medications or treatments for chronic pain, given the limited number of available options and the potential side effects associated with each.
From the Research
Classification of Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclobenzaprine, also known as Flexeril, is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms 2.
- It is not classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) [(2,3,4,5,6)].
Mechanism of Action
- Cyclobenzaprine works by relieving muscle spasms, reducing local pain and tenderness, and increasing range of motion in acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions 2.
- NSAIDs, on the other hand, produce analgesia by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the peripheral and central nervous system 3.
Comparison with NSAIDs
- Studies have compared the efficacy and safety of cyclobenzaprine with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, in treating acute neck or back pain with muscle spasm 6.
- These studies have shown that cyclobenzaprine can be effective in relieving muscle spasms and pain, but its mechanism of action is different from that of NSAIDs [(2,6)].