Can you take Flexeril and ibuprofen together?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Yes - no direct interaction, and they are commonly co-prescribed for acute back pain and spasm: cyclobenzaprine relaxes muscles through the brain and nervous system while ibuprofen cuts inflammation at the site. Cautions: cyclobenzaprine's drowsiness is real (no driving until you know it) and alcohol amplifies it badly - no drinking on this drug. Adults 65+ get a MedlinePlus warning: cyclobenzaprine is less safe than alternatives at that age (confusion, falls, dry mouth, constipation). Duration is short - days to a couple of weeks; pain outlasting the course needs reassessment and physical therapy, not a refill loop. Ibuprofen keeps its own rules: with food, lowest effective dose, never stacked with another NSAID. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you plan a short course.
What to do
- No alcohol while on cyclobenzaprine: the drowsiness multiplies.
- Evening dosing for the relaxant: sleep through the worst of it.
- Days to weeks, not months: spasm courses are short.
- Ibuprofen with food: and no other NSAIDs alongside.
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