Doctors may prescribe the generically named cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride to help a person's muscles relax, primarily when the person has suffered a muscle injury, such as a sprain or strain. The medication functions directly in the person's central nervous system, where it aids in the process of relaxing the muscles. The Mayo Clinic reports physicians may recommend other treatments such as physical therapy, exercise and rest along with cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride for full recovery.
Blurry Vision
Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride do not just relax the specific muscles where pain and stiffness occur. Because these drugs affect the central nervous system, they cause muscle relaxation throughout the body. This includes a person's eye muscles. When the eye muscles relax, it makes it difficult for the person to use those muscles effectively to focus his vision on near or far objects. As the individual becomes accustomed to cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, blurry vision tends to go away without medical aid, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Drowsiness and Fatigue
Using cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride can cause a person's entire body to become overly tired and weak because of the relaxation effects. These side effects can manifest as general fatigue, a feeling of lethargy despite inactivity, and abnormal drowsiness that causes you to be sleepy even in the middle of the day after a good night's rest. These side effects, classified as non-serious and common, generally recede and disappear within a week of starting cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride treatment. Drugs.com suggests consulting a physician if side effects interrupt normal activities.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Because the muscles throughout a person's body experience relaxation, the intestinal muscles may function differently than they normally do when first beginning treatment with cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride. This may cause changes in bowel movements such as constipation or the inability to move the bowels for defecations. It also may induce watery stools that cause a need for urgent bowel movements. Non-serious and common, constipation and diarrhea usually fade in a day or two of starting cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride treatment.
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