Drug interactions
Clozapine + Cyclobenzaprine
Severity: Major
Clozapine and Cyclobenzaprine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs are sedating and strongly anticholinergic, so together they raise the risk of oversedation, constipation, urinary retention and tachycardia. Clozapine-related constipation can progress to serious bowel obstruction, and clozapine also lowers the seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clozapine and Cyclobenzaprine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Cyclobenzaprine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant and anticholinergic effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use cyclobenzaprine briefly at the lowest dose. Monitor bowel function, sedation, heart rate and seizure risk.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclobenzaprine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clozapine with Cyclobenzaprine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clozapine and Cyclobenzaprine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs are sedating and strongly anticholinergic, so together they raise the risk of oversedation, constipation, urinary retention and tachycardia. Clozapine-related constipation can progress to serious bowel obstruction, and clozapine also lowers the seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Clozapine and Cyclobenzaprine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, or use cyclobenzaprine briefly at the lowest dose. Monitor bowel function, sedation, heart rate and seizure risk.
What other medicines interact with Cyclobenzaprine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclobenzaprine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Cyclobenzaprine page.
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