Is Cyclobenzaprine Addictive?

Another telltale sign of Flexeril addiction is abusing the medication in combination with another substance to produce a greater sense of euphoria. Alcohol is commonly abused alongside muscle relaxers like Flexeril because the substances amplify each others’ effects, causing the individual to experience a more intense sedation or high. Flexeril is the brand name for Cyclobenzaprine, a prescription muscle relaxer that is similar to a class of Antidepressant drugs called Tricyclic Antidepressants. The generic form was first approved in 1977 and is sold in both immediate and extended release versions. Eight double-blind controlled clinical studies were performed in 642 patients comparing FLEXERIL 10 mg, diazepam, and placebo.

• Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
• The dosage ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg and it’s suggested you take it 3 times a day, as needed.
• If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• Because it’s generally prescribed as a short-term response to acute pain, Flexeril abuse is rather unlikely.

Flexeril is typically used in conjunction with physical therapy or exercise and other forms of treatment for applicable conditions. Most patients taking the short-acting cyclobenzaprine tablets flexeril on drug test report feeling the effects within 20 to 30 minutes and lasting for four to six hours. The long-lasting capsules take slightly longer to take effect but you may feel relief for up to 24 hours.

More about Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)

No matter what the reason is, understanding it is critical because then, the cause can be treated. This is often why people will be admitted into anaddiction treatment clinic for Flexeril withdrawal. During cyclobenzaprine addiction treatment, the medication will be slowly tapered off by a reduction of amounts over a certain time frame. This can help patients avoid the discomfort of withdrawing from cyclobenzaprine. There is also the possibility of becoming psychologically dependent on Flexeril because of the feelings of relaxation.

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril): Dosage & Side Effects – Livescience.com

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril): Dosage & Side Effects.

Posted: Thu, 11 May 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Cyclobenzaprine is not a controlled substance, however, it is only available by prescription. Despite being relatively easy to obtain, Flexeril does carry a risk for abuse, tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. This risk increases if the drug is combined with other drugs such as alcohol or opioids. Because it’s generally prescribed as a short-term response to acute pain, Flexeril abuse is rather unlikely. However, cyclobenzaprine and other muscle relaxants can be abused if they’re taken in excessive doses, so patients should be careful to adhere to their doctor’s instructions.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Cyclobenzaprine is structurally and pharmacologically related to tricyclic antidepressants. Among the most dreaded toxicities linked with cyclical antidepressants, overdoses affect fast-acting sodium channels in the cardiac conduction system. Cyclical antidepressants block the cardiac sodium channel and cause prolongation of cardiac depolarization, which manifests as QRS widening on electrocardiograms.

There have been a number of fatalities reported as a result of the Flexeril and alcohol combination that occurred from physical harm caused by over-intoxication. Drug interactions and side effects are always possible when taking a muscle relaxer or any other prescription drug. For that reason, you should consider a few risk factors before taking cyclobenzaprine, whether it’s for muscle pain and discomfort or to facilitate better sleep habits in the short term.

Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants and Associated Drugs

I thought I saw someone standing in my bedroom, and it looked like a child. I kept seeing bright flashes of light that were gone before I could even register that I had seen them. At that point, I needed it, and I slept for seven hours straight. I was still in a daze, and I didn’t take any more of the drug.

Whether you started using with a legitimate prescription, you fell into a cycle of recreational use, or you have been self-medicating, we can provide the help you need. If you are ready to seek addiction treatment, we are here to guide you through. At Empowered Recovery, we recognize the unique nature of your substance use disorder, and we reflect this in our treatment process. We focus on short and long-term goals to keep your motivation in the right place and ensure you remain on track.

It’s important to note, however, that this muscle relaxer isn’t intended for use as a sleep aid. It can, however, reduce acute pain or discomfort that’s causing your insomnia and offer short-term relief for acute insomnia. Cyclobenzaprine is considered a skeletal muscle relaxant because of the way it affects the body’s nervous system. Once the drug enters your body, it triggers your brain and nervous system to relax different muscles in the body, simultaneously relieving the pain and discomfort you feel. Muscle relaxers such as these act like a depressant for your body’s central nervous system. This causes a sedative effect and prevents your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.

Complications of Cyclobenzaprine Overdose

Serotonin syndrome occurs when you take medications that cause an excess of serotonin in your system. I had been prescribed this drug for back pain and to help with muscle spasms. It is a very powerful muscle relaxer, and it works quite well. It occurred to me that it might work even better if I used a little more than I normally would.