If we assume that you metabolize cyclobenzaprine quickly, even 24 hours after a single 10mg dose, at least 1.25mg of cyclobenzaprine would still be in your system. Some of the symptoms of an overdose are similar to the standard side effects of Flexeril, such as drowsiness and hallucinations. The ability of these drugs to depress the central nervous system can lead to the inability to think clearly. Individuals may experience impaired judgment, dangerous mood swings, and even aggressive behaviors.
To err on the side of caution, it’s best to see healthcare professional as soon as possible, especially if you’ve had more than one drink or don’t drink often. Skeletal muscle relaxants (see Table 1) work primarily in the spinal cord and brain, also called the central nervous system, to block pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. They relieve painful muscle spasms and spasticity due to conditions like acute back pain or multiple sclerosis. After you are finished in detox, it is possible you will be recommended for inpatient treatment. Polydrug use often includes a strong component of psychological therapy.
Long-Term Effects of Mixing Muscle Relaxers and Alcohol
Cyclobenzaprine can become habit-forming if not taken as directed, but when it is combined with alcohol, addiction is more likely. Addiction, a chronic, relapsing brain disease, is referred to as substance addiction. When cyclobenzaprine is used with alcohol, it is referred to as polydrug use. Comfort Recovery offers specialized care for individuals dealing with the complexities of medication and substance abuse. Our team is equipped to provide education, support, and treatment to those facing the dangers of polydrug use.
While medical professionals classify Flexeril as a non-controlled drug that is typically non-habit forming, some people do become addicted to the feeling it provides them. You can become addicted to the way it helps you escape daily challenges and the reality of life. Many people abuse Flexeril to mask the pain of their disease or injury rather than to put in the work to heal. Others simply overuse the drug because they have developed a tolerance. And when you try to stop, you may go through withdrawal and require treatment to stop using. In the realm of prescription medications, cyclobenzaprine is commonly prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms.
Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. Mixing metaxalone with alcohol can potentiate these effects and lead to impaired coordination, blackouts, and difficulty breathing. Chlorzoxazone is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. Mixing chlorzoxazone with alcohol can potentiate these effects and lead to impaired coordination, blackouts, and difficulty breathing.
Should I consult my doctor before mixing alcohol with muscle relaxers?
Combining cyclobenzaprine and alcohol isn’t a good idea because of the risk of enhanced side effects (especially sedation). Moreover, both are processed by the liver, which can be strained by the combination. Alcohol can also be hard on the heart and the muscles, delaying recovery. If you’ve already mixed muscle relaxants and alcohol, stop drinking immediately.
While it is possible to become addicted flexeril with alcohol to cyclobenzaprine, addiction is more likely when the drug is abused with alcohol. Addiction, also called a substance use disorder, is defined as a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain. When cyclobenzaprine and alcohol are abused together, it is called polydrug use.
- When combined with alcohol, Flexeril can potentiate drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
- Addiction, also called a substance use disorder, is defined as a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain.
- Even a small amount of alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of Flexeril, increasing the risk of drowsiness and dizziness.
- Here at North Jersey Recovery Center, we offer prescription drug and alcohol addiction treatment to free our patients from the grips of addiction.
- While it is possible to become addicted to cyclobenzaprine, addiction is more likely when the drug is abused with alcohol.
Substance Abuse Treatment
When these drugs are used for an extended period of time, they can cause side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. In addition, some muscle relaxers can interfere with kidney function and even lead to liver damage if taken in high doses over a long period of time. Like most medications, muscle relaxers pose interaction risks, and bringing alcohol into the mix can be dangerous—even lethal. If you’re thinking about mixing these substances, it’s important to understand the risks involved.
Doing so can increase impaired judgment and decision making, which may lead to risky or dangerous behavior. Flexeril is only seen as a temporary aid in alleviating muscle spasms and musculoskeletal aches. The risk is that a patient can quickly develop a dependency on the drug. As alcohol continues to enter the bloodstream, it begins to have other effects on the body.
It also causes potentially dangerous arrhythmias and increases our heart rate. Over time, these disruptions could even lead to cardiomyopathy — a serious form of heart disease. (For more information take a look at “How Does Alcohol Affect the Heart?”).
- That is, they work to change the transmission levels of neurotransmitters within the brain and the CNS.
- Carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine are frequently misused for non-medical reasons.
- A person can self-medicate and become addicted if their patterns don’t change.
- Muscle relaxers like cyclobenzaprine usually last around four to six hours.
- Avoid combining muscle relaxers with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants.
If you fear you have overdosed on alcohol or Flexeril, you should seek medical assistance immediately. An emergency medical response team is the best option for help in these situations. If you have been misusing or abusing Flexeril and alcohol, it is likely time to contact addiction specialists to help get your life back on track.
Drug Smells and Odors
Ideally, as is the case with all medication, Flexeril should be taken with water. Unfortunately, many people lead a lifestyle where alcohol forms a big part of it. Taking Flexeril with alcohol or consuming alcohol when on Flexeril can have certain side-effects. In this article, we shall briefly review the interaction between Flexeril and alcohol. Even if the effects of Flexeril have worn off, there may still be traces of the drug in your system that can interact with alcohol.
When used as directed by a physician, muscle relaxers are generally considered safe. However, when used in combination with alcohol or other drugs, they can have hazardous and sometimes life-threatening effects. All prescription drugs have potentially dangerous and minor side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor or PA about all other medications you are taking, as Flexeril can have lethal reactions to other prescriptions. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you drink more than a moderate amount each day or week and if you use tobacco products.
Flexeril drug interactions
Doing so places them at risk of suffering an accident of some kind which could be fatal. At North Jersey Recovery Center, we strive to make your addiction treatment experience as comfortable as possible. Alcohol and muscular relaxers combined cause feelings of intense relaxation and euphoria. People can find this appealing after accidentally discovering this effect or purposely seeking it out.
What are the Signs of Someone Abusing Muscle Relaxers?
When alcohol and cyclobenzaprine have been abused together, you probably will need to participate in behavioral therapies and group therapy programs, like the 12-step programs. Avoid combining muscle relaxers with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants. Unfortunately, alcohol abuse is common among those who live with mental health conditions. They may drink to numb overwhelming feelings or as a coping mechanism.