Identifying the Pill: What is DAN 5658?
Pill imprints are unique identifiers mandated by the FDA to help consumers and healthcare professionals correctly identify medications. The white, round pill marked with the imprint 'DAN 5658' is identified as Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. It is a prescription medication primarily used along with rest and physical therapy to relieve muscle spasms caused by acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions like strains, sprains, or other muscle injuries [1.2.6].
Cyclobenzaprine is one of the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxants. It helps to alleviate pain, stiffness, and discomfort by acting on the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the brain, to interrupt pain signals and allow muscles to relax [1.2.5, 1.2.6]. It is typically prescribed for short-term use, usually for a period of two to three weeks, as there is little evidence to support its effectiveness for long-term use [1.2.5].
Is DAN 5658 (Cyclobenzaprine) a Narcotic?
The answer is unequivocally no. Cyclobenzaprine is not a narcotic [1.2.5]. The term 'narcotic' medically refers to opioids—drugs derived from opium or synthesized to act on opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain [1.9.1, 1.9.2]. Examples of narcotics include morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Cyclobenzaprine belongs to a different drug class called skeletal muscle relaxants [1.2.1].
Is Cyclobenzaprine a Controlled Substance?
Another important distinction is its legal classification. Unlike some other muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine is not classified as a controlled substance under federal law in the United States [1.2.1, 1.2.5]. Controlled substances are drugs regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because they carry a potential for abuse and dependence [1.9.4]. Carisoprodol, for instance, is a Schedule IV controlled substance because it can be habit-forming and is often misused [1.5.1, 1.5.6]. Cyclobenzaprine does not have the same recognized potential for abuse, which is why it is not scheduled by the DEA [1.2.5]. However, it is still a prescription-only medication due to its potential side effects and interactions.
Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action
Cyclobenzaprine works by acting on the central nervous system rather than directly on the skeletal muscles themselves [1.2.6]. Its primary site of action is believed to be in the brainstem, where it reduces tonic somatic motor activity, influencing both gamma and alpha motor systems. This CNS action results in the relief of muscle spasms and associated pain without interfering with muscle function.
Side Effects, Risks, and Precautions
While not a narcotic, cyclobenzaprine is a powerful medication with significant side effects. The most common ones include:
- Drowsiness and Dizziness: A significant number of users experience sleepiness, which can impair the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery [1.2.5, 1.7.4].
- Dry Mouth: This is a very common side effect that can be managed with sugar-free gum or lozenges [1.2.6].
- Fatigue and Headaches: General tiredness and headaches can also occur [1.7.4].
A critical risk associated with cyclobenzaprine is its interaction with other CNS depressants. Combining it with alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines can lead to life-threatening drowsiness and respiratory depression [1.2.5, 1.2.6]. Additionally, taking it with certain antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs can lead to a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome, with symptoms like fast heart rate, sweating, and confusion [1.2.5]. Due to increased risks of side effects, it is generally not recommended for adults over 65 years of age [1.7.4].
Comparison: Cyclobenzaprine vs. Other Medications
To better understand its classification, it's helpful to compare cyclobenzaprine with a narcotic and a controlled muscle relaxant.
| Feature | Cyclobenzaprine (DAN 5658) | Carisoprodol (Soma) | Oxycodone (Opioid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Skeletal Muscle Relaxant [1.2.1] | Skeletal Muscle Relaxant [1.3.3] | Narcotic Analgesic [1.9.2] |
| Primary Use | Muscle spasms, pain, stiffness [1.2.6] | Acute, painful muscle conditions [1.3.1] | Moderate to severe pain relief |
| Is it a Narcotic? | No [1.4.1] | No [1.4.2] | Yes [1.9.2] |
| DEA Schedule | Not a controlled substance [1.2.1] | Schedule IV [1.5.1] | Schedule II |
| Abuse Potential | Low [1.2.5] | Recognized potential for abuse [1.5.5] | High potential for abuse |
| Common Side Effects | Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness [1.2.6] | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache [1.7.3] | Drowsiness, constipation, nausea |
Conclusion
The pill marked DAN 5658 is Cyclobenzaprine 10 mg, a non-narcotic and non-controlled skeletal muscle relaxant [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. While it is an effective treatment for short-term relief from painful muscle spasms, it is not an opioid and does not carry the same legal classification or abuse profile as narcotics or other controlled substances like carisoprodol [1.2.5, 1.5.1]. However, its potent effects on the central nervous system mean it must be used with caution, strictly as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and with full awareness of its potential side effects and dangerous interactions with other substances like alcohol and opioids [1.2.6].
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. For more detailed information, you can visit Drugs.com.
