Flexeril Addiction, Abuse, and Treatment

Flexeril, a widely prescribed skeletal muscle relaxant, is not typically associated with addiction. Many people who begin taking this prescription medication for an injury may develop a Flexeril addiction. This addiction can lead to ongoing issues even after the injury has healed.

In recent years, emergency rooms have experienced a significant uptick in cases involving Flexeril-related complications and overdoses. Addiction treatment centers have seen more people misusing prescription muscle relaxers along with other substances.

Struggling with Flexeril abuse can have harmful side effects. It can also pose challenges to physical and mental health. Additionally, quitting without medical help can lead to difficult withdrawal symptoms. Discover more about the risks and side effects of Flexeril, as well as ways to seek help for addiction.

What Is Flexeril?

Flexeril is the trade name for cyclobenzaprine, a medication that relaxes muscles. Physicians prescribe it to relieve muscle spasms and injuries like sprains, strains, or hyperextension.

Treatment plans often include muscle relaxants along with rest, physical therapy, wraps, and soaking the injured areas. These treatments help with healing and reduce the need for medication.

Flexeril operates differently from painkillers by focusing on specific brain regions instead of directly addressing the injury site. Because of its mechanism of action, it can help you feel relaxed and reduce pain. However, it does not cause immediate feelings of euphoria or extreme happiness.

Flexeril is not a narcotic. However, it can still cause mental and physical dependence. This is especially true when combined with other substances to enhance its relaxing effects.

Is Flexeril a Controlled Substance?

Flexeril isn’t classified as a regulated drug because it’s not in the narcotic painkiller category. The US Drug Enforcement Administration, known as the DEA, deems it to carry a low risk of misuse and dependency. Despite Flexeril not being regulated, getting the drug still requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Flexeril is like tricyclic antidepressants. It affects the brain and central nervous system. It changes and stops pain signals, especially in the brain stem. This differs from painkillers, which target the site of the injury directly.

All prescription medications carry a risk of abuse and addiction, particularly when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Sharing or using Flexeril without a prescription is against the law, even if it’s not a controlled substance.

Misusing prescription drugs by taking more than the prescribed dose or mixing them with alcohol or other substances is considered drug abuse.

What Is Flexeril Used For?

Flexeril is given by doctors to help with muscle spasms and pain from injuries. It operates by regulating or blocking signals that trigger muscle spasms or pain.

Certain physicians suggest using Flexeril to handle persistent pain conditions like fibromyalgia, muscular dystrophy, and other ailments impacting musculoskeletal or connective tissues.

Skeletal muscles attach directly to bones and account for 30 to 40% of the muscle mass in the body, controlling voluntary movements. When nerve signals are disrupted, muscle spasms can occur. Sprains, strains, tears, and other muscle injuries often result in pain and discomfort.

Ideally, Flexeril is prescribed for short-term use to help patients undergo physical therapy and other treatments to address the injury causing their pain. Flexeril is not intended for long-term use except for rare cases involving chronic conditions like those previously mentioned.

Flexeril Addiction Symptoms

By itself, Flexeril typically does not cause many side effects or intense feelings of euphoria or a high. However, some people may abuse Flexeril with other substances to increase its effects. As with all medications, taking higher doses increases the likelihood of experiencing side effects.

Doctors usually begin with a low dose of Flexeril to observe how patients respond to the medication, adjusting the dosage if necessary. Combining Flexeril with alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, all of which are central nervous system depressants, can result in dangerous interactions.

Short-Term Side Effects of Flexeril

Short-term side effects tend to disappear as the body adjusts to Flexeril or after you stop taking it.

Short-term side effects of Flexeril may include:

• Feeling sleepy
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Feeling sedated
• Feeling relaxed
• Feeling dizzy
• Irregular heartbeats
• Nausea, headache
• Burning sensation in the chest
• Severe fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Pain in the chest
• Swelling of the face or tongue
• Breathing difficulties
• Difficulty swallowing

Some side effects could signal an allergic reaction to Flexeril. In case of worsening symptoms, get immediate medical help.

Long-Term Effects of Flexeril

Long-term side effects arise from extended use of Flexeril, potentially causing chemical changes and health issues. Combining Flexeril with other drugs or alcohol, particularly ones that depress the central nervous system, and having pre-existing physical or mental health issues can heighten the chance of experiencing lasting side effects.

Long-term side effects of Flexeril can include:

• Developing a physical dependence
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Insomnia
• Altered taste perception
• Feeling confused
• Weak muscles
• Irregular heartbeats
• Increased risk of heart attack
• Muscle twitches
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Feeling depressed
• Seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
• Numb limbs

Flexeril Withdrawal Symptoms

If you’ve developed a physical dependence on Flexeril, suddenly stopping it can lead you to experience withdrawal symptoms. While Flexeril withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable enough to drive people to continue their substance abuse to avoid these symptoms.

Withdrawal from Flexeril may result in symptoms including:

• Feeling lightheaded
• Muscle pains
• Anxiety
• Muscle twitches
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Mood changes
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Discomfort

Flexeril Abuse and Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you care about has a substance use problem, White Oak Recovery Center can help. They offer personalized treatment based on evidence to provide assistance.

At White Oak Recovery Center (WORC), our goal is to offer personalized care tailored to your individual needs and well-being, assisting you in achieving a substance-free lifestyle and learning how to live without addiction.

WORC’s onsite medical detox provides medical attention and monitoring to ensure your safety during the withdrawal process. Our program helps with both drug abuse and mental health issues that may be causing your addiction. Our goal is for you to possess the abilities and understanding necessary to lead a satisfying life after leaving our center, triumphing over obstacles in recovery.

Our dedicated treatment specialists are ready to assist you in taking the initial steps toward recovery. Contact us today.