Do You Use Too Much Flexeril? Find Cyclobenzaprine Abuse Treatment

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxer used to treat acute muscle pain and prevent muscle spasms caused by an injury or accident. Cyclobenzaprine also has some sedative effects which may result in sleepiness and fatigue. Cyclobenzaprine is not a safe or practical long-term solution for insomnia and other sleep troubles. 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.

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Sometimes, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine are used “off-label” to treat conditions they’re not approved for, such as fibromyalgia. CYCLOBENZAPRINE (sye kloe BEN za preen) treats muscle spasms. It works by relaxing your muscles, which reduces muscle stiffness.

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Cyclobenzaprine is usually taken once daily for only 2 or 3 weeks. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully. UseCyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help.

One of the more common effects of the Flexeril high is drowsiness. The dangers of taking more than prescribed are much greater than the reward of abusing it. There is also a slight risk that abuse of Cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril can lead to serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome occurs when you take medications that cause an excess of serotonin in your system. The combination of Flexeril and alcohol can cause serious problems in the central nervous system, the consequences of which may end up being fatal.

• About three hours in, I started having some visual hallucinations.
• Yes, so it is very important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a Flexeril overdose.
• This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
• Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information.
• You may experience mild symptoms when you stop taking Flexeril like headache, nausea, and low energy.
• The extended-release form typically has a half-life of hours.

Typically, 1 to 2 therapists facilitate the session for a group of peers who are struggling with substance abuse. When too much of the medication is taken at a time, taken between doses, or it is chewed, or crushed and snorted, toxic levels can be reached more quickly, and the risk for overdose is amplified. Do not use cyclobenzaprine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. Cyclobenzaprine may enhance the effects of other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and narcotics. According to the DEA, abusers often combine cyclobenzaprine with these depressants to produce or enhance psychoactive effects.

Flexeril side effects

Sometimes people will even have a heart attack or develop seizures. In order to quit safely, you need to opt for professional Flexeril rehab. Getting treated for your Flexeril addiction professional has so many benefits. For one, you are able to learn from people who understand how this type of addiction works. You also get to gain insight into what caused it to occur for you in the first place.

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle is flexeril or baclofen stronger the contents over one tablespoon of applesauce. Rinse the mouth to make sure all of the medicine have been swallowed. Less frequent dosing should be considered for hepatically impaired or elderly patients (see PRECAUTIONS, Impaired Hepatic Function, and Use in the Elderly).

Cyclobenzaprine and muscle relaxers like it are usually prescribed following an injury, car accident, or another minor incident that causes muscle spasms and other temporary muscle conditions. 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 seizures. One of the most troubling problems is the combination of other substances with muscle relaxers to achieve a high. Data shows that  70% of people prescribed opioid painkillers are also taking a muscle relaxant.

This includes dizziness, difficulty thinking, and drowsiness. As a result, they may be more likely to physically hurt themselves while abusing cyclobenzaprine and alcohol. It’s not advised to drink alcohol at all while they’re being treated with Flexeril.

Less frequent dosing should be considered for hepatically impaired or elderly patients (see PRECAUTIONS, Impaired Hepatic Function, and Use in the Elderly). Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how cyclobenzaprine will affect you. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks, or if they get worse. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Flexeril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.