Discharge teaching for cyclobenzaprine should include which statement?

• A. Sedation is a common side effect.
• B. It improves alertness.
• C. It should be stopped if dizzy.
• D. It must be taken on an empty stomach.

Answer: (A)

Cyclobenzaprine is a central nervous system–acting muscle relaxant, and sedation is a common effect because it depresses CNS activity. Because of this, discharge teaching should stress safety: you may feel sleepy or groggy, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you, and limit alcohol and other sedatives. It does not improve alertness. The instruction to take it on an empty stomach isn’t required; you can take it with food if GI upset occurs. If dizziness or other side effects appear, don’t automatically stop the medication; contact your clinician for guidance on dose adjustments or monitoring.