Drug interactions
Cyclobenzaprine + Donepezil
Severity: Moderate
Cyclobenzaprine and Donepezil: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Cyclobenzaprine has anticholinergic properties that oppose the cholinesterase inhibition of donepezil, potentially reducing its benefit in dementia. Cognition may worsen and confusion may increase.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclobenzaprine and Donepezil can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Cyclobenzaprine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between muscarinic blockade and acetylcholinesterase inhibition.
What to do
Avoid cyclobenzaprine in patients on donepezil where possible; if used, monitor cognitive status and review the need for the muscle relaxant.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclobenzaprine with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclobenzaprine and Donepezil can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Cyclobenzaprine has anticholinergic properties that oppose the cholinesterase inhibition of donepezil, potentially reducing its benefit in dementia. Cognition may worsen and confusion may increase.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclobenzaprine and Donepezil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid cyclobenzaprine in patients on donepezil where possible; if used, monitor cognitive status and review the need for the muscle relaxant.
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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