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Can you take cyclobenzaprine with Tylenol? Risks, benefits, and precautions

Cyclobenzaprine and Tylenol may help relieve pain. Discover how to manage pain effectively while minimizing risks.
By | Updated on Jan. 6, 2025
Woman's back and pain: Is it safe to take cyclobenzaprine with Tylenol

Key takeaways

  • Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication for muscle relaxation, while Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain medication for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain.

  • It is generally safe to take cyclobenzaprine with Tylenol, although factors like age, liver problems, and dosage should be considered before taking them together.

  • Cyclobenzaprine and acetaminophen have their own individual side effects and drug interactions to be aware of before taking either medication.

  • Before starting the concurrent use of these medications, avoid or limit alcohol consumption, notify your healthcare provider, stick to recommended dosages, and read labels carefully.

  • Please talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about this combination therapy.

In this article:

Cyclobenzaprine (common brand names Amrix and Fexmid) is a generic prescription muscle relaxant that relieves symptoms of painful muscle spasms. It works directly in the central nervous system (CNS) to lower muscle rigidity and spasms. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a popular over-the-counter medication used for pain relief and reducing fever. According to medical experts, it’s safe to take cyclobenzaprine and Tylenol together, but it’s important to understand the potential side effects and interactions before starting this treatment plan.

Can you take cyclobenzaprine with Tylenol?

Sean Ormond, MD, a dual board-certified physician in anesthesiology and interventional pain management at Atlas Pain Specialists in Phoenix, says taking cyclobenzaprine with Tylenol is okay because the two medicines work differently. “They don’t interfere with each other directly, which is why they’re often used as part of a pain management plan,” he says. 

“However, knowing your personal health situation is key—so check with your doctor first if you’re unsure.”

As Dr. Ormond mentions, your health will depend on whether this drug combination is safe for you. However, there are certain factors to be aware of that could impact whether or not you should take cyclobenzaprine with Tylenol. These include:

  • Older age: “Cyclobenzaprine can cause more drowsiness or dizziness, which might increase fall risks [in older adults],” Dr. Ormond says.
  • Liver problems: According to Dr. Ormond, because Tylenol is processed in your liver, if you have liver disease or consume alcohol regularly, you’ll need to lower the dosage of medication to prevent adverse effects. Some people may need to avoid Tylenol completely.
  • Dosage: “Taking too much of either medication can be dangerous, especially with Tylenol, which can harm your liver if overused,” Dr. Ormond says

“Your doctor will consider all of these factors when recommending a treatment plan,” Dr. Ormond says.

Risks and precautions when taking cyclobenzaprine and Tylenol together 

Thomas Pontinen, MD, LCP-C, a double-board certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine specialist and co-founder of MAPS Centers For Pain Control in Chicago, says that with any medication you take, there’s a risk of experiencing some unwanted side effects. However, he says there are no known interactions between cyclobenzaprine and Tylenol. “If there are potential risks of combining them, we aren’t aware of them,” he explains. “In this case, both drugs are so widely used that any risks that may have been presented would have been well-documented by now, which is why doctors currently feel comfortable allowing the combination in patients.”

It’s important to understand that despite there being no known interactions between the two drugs, they do have their own individual side effects to be aware of.

Cyclobenzaprine side effects may include the following:

  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Constipation 

The use of the medication Tylenol may cause the following side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Itchiness
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Constipation
  • Liver damage 

If you experience persistent side effects, please seek help from your healthcare provider or visit the emergency room if you have serious or life-threatening complications.

Alongside risks and side effects, there are also safety precautions you may want to take before taking a muscle relaxer and pain reliever together, such as:

  • Notifying your healthcare provider of your medical history: “Include any health conditions like liver disease, sleep apnea, or low blood pressure,” Dr. Ormond says.
  • Avoiding alcohol: Dr. Ormond says that alcohol can interact with both medications, potentially leading to increased drowsiness and liver strain.
  • Sticking to your healthcare provider’s or manufacturer’s recommended doses: “Don’t take more than prescribed, especially with Tylenol, where the daily limit is 3,000–4,000 milligrams (mg) for adults,” Dr. Ormond says. Lower limits are typically advised for children and anyone with a history of liver disease or alcohol use.
  • Reading the labels: “Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain acetaminophen (Tylenol’s active ingredient), and doubling up accidentally can be dangerous,” Dr. Ormond explains.

Before taking cyclobenzaprine with Tylenol, please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice on how to lower your risk of serious side effects. If they deem it unsafe to use these medications together, they can recommend an alternative treatment option.

How long after taking cyclobenzaprine can you take Tylenol?

“[Cyclobenzaprine and Tylenol] are fine to take together unless otherwise instructed by your doctor,” Dr. Pontinen says. “Follow the directions on the label of each drug and do not deviate from that in terms of timing. Different dosages and administration routes may call for different timing intervals.”

Dr. Ormond adds that if you want to stagger the medications, that’s okay. “Tylenol is typically taken every 4–6 hours as needed, while cyclobenzaprine is often taken 1–3 times a day,” he says. “Just stick to the prescribed schedule and don’t overlap doses excessively.”

What medications should you not take with cyclobenzaprine and Tylenol?

According to Dr. Ormond, certain medications don’t mix well with cyclobenzaprine or Tylenol.

Drugs and substances that interact with cyclobenzaprine include the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) 
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Opioid pain medications
  • Wellbutrin 
  • Triptans 
  • St. John’s wort
  • Verapamil 

In some instances, according to case reports, taking this skeletal muscle relaxant with serotonergic drugs may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that may occur if there’s too much serotonin activity in your body. It can cause symptoms like fast heart rate, high blood pressure, tremor, fever, sweating, anxiety, restlessness, and agitation.

Tylenol interactions include:

  • Alcohol 
  • Antiepileptics
  • Dietary supplements
  • Vitamin K antagonists
  • Metyrapone
  • Probenecid
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • Vaccines 

“Always double-check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you’re on other medications,” Dr. Ormond says.

“Cyclobenzaprine is by far the higher-risk medication, all things considered,” Dr. Pontinen adds. “Tylenol will be safe for most healthy individuals, but if you have any other medications or medical conditions, talk to a doctor first. Do not take cyclobenzaprine without a prescription or without talking to your prescribing doctor about any other drugs you’re taking.”

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