Katie asked
Can I take Flexeril with Lovenox?
Answer
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) can be safely used with Lovenox (enoxaparin). There is no listed or reported drug interaction between the two medications. However, there have been rare, anecdotal reports that Flexeril can affect blood platelets, and could theoretically cause an increase in bleeding or an increase in clotting.
Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) Effects On The Blood
Although the exact mechanism of action isn't known, it is thought that Flexeril has serotonin augmenting effects. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and it thought to be a major factor in depressive syndromes. In addition, serotonin is a major component of blood platelets. Typically, serotonin in the blood vessels causes vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels), but can also cause vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels).
Theoretically, if Flexeril augments serotonin, increasing it's effects, it has the potential to cause hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension (high blood pressure). In fact, cases of Flexeril overdose have reported both as symptoms. There may also be effects on blood clotting, but there have been only been anecdotal reports and no study has confirmed that Flexeril affects clotting in any significant way.
As Lovenox, a type of heparin and anti-thrombotic, will decrease clotting, there could be a risk when used with other drugs that decrease clotting. Although there could potentially be a risk using Lovenox and Flexeril together, there is no reported interaction between the two and there have been no case reports of problems using the drugs together.
