Discontinuation and Safety Considerations for Muscle Relaxers

Discontinuation and Tapering

• If cyclobenzaprine has been used long-term, taper gradually over 2-3 weeks to prevent withdrawal symptoms including malaise, nausea, and headache lasting 2-4 days, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1, 2
• The American Geriatrics Society advises avoiding cyclobenzaprine in older adults due to anticholinergic effects and sedation risk 4, 3

Precautions and Monitoring

• Hold cyclobenzaprine on the day of surgery due to potential interactions with sedatives and anesthetic agents, as cautioned by the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1, 2, 5
• Central nervous system adverse events occur more commonly with muscle relaxants, with a relative risk of 2.04 compared to placebo, according to Praxis Medical Insights 4