The nurse caring for a client prescribed cyclobenzaprine should include which discharge instruction?

• A. The client should see how they do on cyclobenzaprine for a few days before they go back to driving.
• B. They can drive immediately when they feel fine.
• C. They should avoid driving only if they feel drowsy.
• D. Driving is unaffected by cyclobenzaprine.

Answer: (A)

Cyclobenzaprine often causes central nervous system depression, including drowsiness and dizziness, which can impair driving ability. The safest discharge instruction is to determine how the patient tolerates the medication for a few days before returning to driving, because impairment can vary between individuals and may persist even when they feel fine. This approach reduces the risk of an accident from delayed or unpredictable reaction times, especially since alcohol or other sedatives can enhance these effects. Driving immediately when they feel okay or only avoiding driving if they happen to feel drowsy isn’t reliable, and saying driving is unaffected is incorrect.