If you’ve ever questioned the addictive nature of Flexeril, rest assured that you’re not alone. While commonly prescribed for injuries and chronic pain, the potential for Flexeril addiction remains a significant concern among many patients.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all your questions about Flexeril, including whether it’s addictive and what the risks are
So, let’s get started!
Is Flexeril Addictive?
Flexeril is not considered to be addictive when it’s used as directed. However, it can be abused, and people who abuse Flexeril can develop an addiction.
Flexeril abuse can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Tolerance occurs when a person needs to take higher doses of a drug to achieve the same effect.
Dependence occurs when a person’s body becomes used to the drug, and they experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it.
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that’s characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior, despite the harmful consequences.
People who abuse Flexeril may take higher doses than prescribed or take the drug more often than prescribed. They may also crush the tablets and snort them or mix them with water and inject them.
Abusing Flexeril can increase the risk of overdose and other serious side effects, such as seizures and heart problems.
People who abuse Flexeril may also develop a tolerance to the drug, which means they need to take higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can lead to dependence and addiction.
What is Flexeril?
Flexeril is the brand name for the prescription drug cyclobenzaprine. It’s a muscle relaxer that’s used to treat injuries and other conditions that cause muscle pain and stiffness.
Cyclobenzaprine works by blocking certain nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This can help relieve pain and improve range of motion.
Flexeril is available in tablet form and is usually taken three times a day. It can be taken with or without food.
What is Flexeril Used For?
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used to treat pain and discomfort associated with muscle spasms and other conditions, such as:
- Injury
- Strain
- Spasm
- Tension headaches
It is also used to treat fibromyalgia, a condition that causes muscle pain and fatigue.
Cyclobenzaprine is available as a generic drug and as the brand-name drugs Flexeril and Amrix.
Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name versions. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.
Cyclobenzaprine may be used as part of a combination therapy. That means you need to take it with other drugs.
What are the Effects (High) of Flexeril?
Cyclobenzaprine can cause several different side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. It can also cause dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
In rare cases, cyclobenzaprine can cause more serious side effects, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. If you experience any of these side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.
At high doses, cyclobenzaprine can cause hallucinations and delusions. It can also cause delirium, a state of confusion in which a person is not able to think clearly or communicate effectively.
Cyclobenzaprine can be habit-forming. It’s important to take it only as prescribed by your doctor.
What are the Dangers and Side Effects of Flexeril?
Flexeril is a medication that has both benefits and drawbacks. When used properly, it can be helpful in treating muscle pain and spasms. However, it also has several potential side effects, which can range from mild to severe.
Some of the more common side effects of Flexeril include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Sweating
- Rash
- Itching
These side effects are generally mild and go away on their own after a few days. However, in some cases, they may be more severe. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should stop taking Flexeril and call your doctor immediately:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Muscle twitching
- Restlessness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Fainting
- Severe skin rash
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
In addition to the above side effects, Flexeril can also interact with other medications. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
Some of the medications that Flexeril can interact with include:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Sleeping pills
- Muscle relaxers
- Narcotic pain medications
- Seizure medications
There are some signs that you can look for that might indicate that someone is abusing Flexeril. While some of these signs may not be conclusive, they can help you decide if someone may be abusing Flexeril.
Signs Someone is Abusing Flexeril
There are some signs that you can look for that might indicate that someone is abusing Flexeril. While some of these signs may not be conclusive, they can help you decide if someone may be abusing Flexeril.
- Slurred Speech
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred Vision
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Headache
- Sweating
- Hot Flashes
- Urinary Retention
- Increased Heart Rate
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Fever
- Loss of Appetite
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Coma
- Cardiac Arrest
- Death
How is Flexeril Addiction Treated?
As with most addictions, Flexeril addiction treatment is a multi-step process. The first step is detoxification, which is the process of clearing the Flexeril from the body. Detox is best done in a medically supervised setting, as there is a risk of serious withdrawal symptoms.
After detox, you will begin treatment at a Flexeril rehab center. Treatment will either be inpatient or outpatient, depending on your individual needs. Treatment will involve a variety of therapies, such as individual, group, and family therapy. Treatment will also include education on how to stay clean and sober after leaving treatment.
Conclusion
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that is often prescribed to treat muscle spasms and pain. While it is generally considered safe, there is a potential for abuse and addiction. If you are taking Flexeril, be sure to take it as prescribed, and do not increase your dosage without speaking to your doctor first. If you think you may be addicted to Flexeril, seek help from a medical professional.