Flexeril Cyclobenzaprine: Effects, addiction and treatment

Flexeril can be used to treat muscular dystrophy, as it helps to control the muscle spasms and damage that occur from this disease. Flexeril is also used to relieve pain from any muscle strain or sprain. The drug has also shown small success for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain syndrome.

However, any drug when abused can lead to dependence and the culmination of negative side effects can lead to addiction. If you or anyone you know is suffering from substance abuse then contact a treatment provider today to find out what options are available. Another potential side effect of Flexeril abuse is cyclobenzaprine overdose, especially if taken in conjunction with other substances such as other CNS depressants like alcohol. Flexeril causes the body to become relaxed and abusing the substance in high doses can lead to cardiac arrest, low blood pressure, heart attack, and fatal seizures. Signs someone is having a Flexeril overdose include vomiting, slurred speech, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, and difficulty breathing.

  • The technical name of the active compound in Flexeril is cyclobenzaprine which can be found in a variety of different products.
  • I had been prescribed this drug for back pain and to help with muscle spasms.
  • In the case of cyclobenzaprine, the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology reports that more than 100 mg of the drug taken in one dose can cause a toxic overdose.
  • Flexeril is not a narcotic and will usually not show up on a basic 5-panel drug screen.
  • We offer a safe and trustworthy facility for people struggling with substance abuse.

She graduated from Palm Beach State College in 2016 with additional education in Salesforce University programs. A part of the Banyan team since 2016, Alyssa brings over 5 years of experience in the addiction treatment field. Unfortunately, like many other medications, Flexeril can also produce a variety of negative side effects that can be dangerous and just as uncomfortable as the person’s original pain. Cyclobenzaprine alleviates skeletal muscle spasms without interfering with muscle function.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction we can help.

Access to the drug is relatively easy as it is not a controlled substance and is also prescribed to patients with muscle pains. A prescription muscle relaxant drug, Cyclobenzaprine, is prescribed for pain caused by muscle spasms and aches. Cyclobenzaprine affects the central nervous system and blocks the sensation of pain. This prevents pain messages from traveling from the muscles to the brain. Unfortunately, this pain-blocking property can make it addictive as users may start taking the drug in heavier doses than prescribed to deal with pain. Flexeril use can become a problem for some people, and there is some evidence that dependence can develop.

Other common tricyclic antidepressants include Norpramin, Tofranil, and Vivactil. Flexeril is typically prescribed to treat pain from some injury and works by blocking pain sensations in the central nervous system. In 2011, more than 25 million prescriptions containing cyclobenzaprine were given out in the United States. No medication can ease Flexeril addiction and obliterate it for good.

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These changes also contribute to a physical dependence on the drug. Most often, patients use this medication to treat muscle stiffness and pain. Doctors select this drug for physical therapy because it dulls the pain as patients move sore muscles and it does not interfere directly with the use of the muscle. Is a licensed and practicing pharmacist and medical writer who specializes in different substances, the effects of substance abuse, and substance use disorder. Flexeril produces a range of anticholinergic effects on the brain’s neurotransmitters which create relaxing or mildly euphoric effects. Cyclobenzaprine addiction can cause decreased mucus production in the nose and throat and a complaint of a constant sore throat.

Street Names for Cyclobenzaprine

Additionally, it is important to combine cyclobenzaprine with other treatments such as massage, physical therapy, and stretching exercises as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication exactly as prescribed and talking to a doctor if any concerning side effects occur is essential. The generic form of the drug was initially authorized for use in 1977 and is available in both immediate and extended-release formulations. Flexeril withdrawal often causes headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

With detox, the body tends to recover quicker, than what it would normally take without any form of treatment. Seeking support from family and friends also plays a valuable role in recovery. Because the addiction has already caused turmoil in family relations, it is critical to restore that trust so that the patient will maintain their sobriety. Therefore, it is critical to let a test administrator know when someone has been taking this muscle relaxant.

What is the Flexeril High?

You can make a full and lasting recovery in the comfort of your home with the help of our expert medical team. You may find it difficult to stop taking it, especially if you have been taking it for long periods of time or at higher doses than prescribed. Talk with your doctor or a treatment center about the safest way to stop using Flexeril. Suddenly stopping the medication may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Although most doctors don’t consider Flexeril addictive, people who find its effects enjoyable might misuse it. Severe side effects, including seizure and seriously impaired thinking and behavior, are more likely when cyclobenzaprine is combined with other drugs. robaxin vs flexeril Alcohol can be particularly dangerous when used concurrently with cyclobenzaprine because the two substances compound each others’ effects. So, when a patient tries to deal with the condition on their own, it becomes almost impossible to overcome the withdrawal.