What is a common side effect of muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine?

Drowsiness is a well-known side effect of muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine. This occurs because these medications act on the central nervous system to reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain. By dampening neural excitability, they can also influence wakefulness and lead to sedation or drowsiness in many patients.

While other side effects can occur with muscle relaxants, such as nausea, increased heart rate, or visual disturbances, drowsiness is particularly common and often reported in clinical settings. It's essential for healthcare providers to advise patients about the sedation risk associated with these medications, especially if they need to engage in activities requiring full alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.