Flexeril Abuse, Addiction and Recovery

Cyclobenzaprine, formerly most commonly sold under the brand name Flexeril, is a muscle relaxant that is often prescribed to treat injuries and pain from those injuries and other similar skeletal muscular conditions. Late last year, Flexeril was discontinued in the United States – for reasons that are unclear, but that are likely related to its high cost  – but there are numerous affordable generic equivalents still being prescribed today as well as other brand-name cyclobenzaprine options like Amrix and Fexmid. This drug is taken orally and helps many people manage pain. It’s generally considered to have little potential for addiction; however, some people do become dependent on it. Read on to learn more about this drug. Cyclobenzaprine is currently the forty-fifth most prescribed drug in our nation with over 15 million prescriptions written for it each year.

Understanding Flexeril

Cyclobenzaprine, or Flexeril, was approved for medical use in 1977. Since then, it has grown in popularity and many doctors prescribe it for pain of all kinds. It’s most effective in treating pain caused by muscle spasms that occur due to acute musculoskeletal conditions. When someone is injured, muscles often respond by spasming to help stabilize the injury so the body can heal itself. Unfortunately, these muscle spasms can be extremely painful and can cause feelings of sharp pain that radiate to other parts of the body. A drug like cyclobenzaprine helps to decrease the frequency and severity of these muscle spasms, therefore offering relief to patients while they heal from their injuries. Combined with physical therapy, patients can recover more quickly from their injuries with cyclobenzaprine than they would without the help of this drug.

Flexeril and similar medications containing cyclobenzaprine are not DEA Scheduled drugs because they have little potential for abuse. However, some people do use cyclobenzaprine as a recreational drug and can experience some level of dependence on it after long-term use. Studies have shown that cyclobenzaprine offers few positive effects for injured patients beyond two weeks of use, and because of that, it is usually only prescribed on a short-term basis.

The Path to Flexeril Abuse and Addiction

Although Flexeril has little potential for abuse and addiction, some people do take it for longer than needed or even recreationally. In addition to treating muscle spasms, cyclobenzaprine can make users feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or sedated, and many people seek out these effects. These effects can be magnified when Flexeril is used in combination with other drugs or alcohol. Also, some people might take cyclobenzaprine to help them come down from stimulant drugs such as cocaine or Adderall.

Fortunately, due to the fact that cyclobenzaprine is generally prescribed on only a short-term basis, it’s rare that people who take this drug to help with pain or injuries will have enough on hand to develop a dependency of any kind to it. Although cyclobenzaprine is sometimes available on the black market, the fact that it is a rather mild drug means that it is not commonly stocked and sold by most drug dealers.

Still, some people who have experienced pain and have enjoyed the effects of cyclobenzaprine may ask their doctor for more of the drug beyond the period of time that they actually need it for pain relief.

Recognizing Flexeril Abuse and Addiction 

Is Flexeril addictive? Addiction and dependency to Flexeril will likely present like any other addiction or dependency. People who choose to continue to take cyclobenzaprine beyond the period it is prescribed to them may be in danger of developing a dependency. If an individual finds that he or she needs to take more of the drug to experience the same effects, then a problem may develop as well. These signs of Flexril abuse should not be ignored.

Anyone who finds that they have difficulty discontinuing use of Flexeril on their own should speak to their doctor or another medical professional about this issue.

The Risks of Flexeril Abuse 

Like most drugs, cyclobenzaprine comes with some side effects. Common side effects of Flexeril include drowsiness, tiredness, headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth. Some people also experience nausea and constipation. These cyclobenzaprine side effects are rather mild; the good that cyclobenzaprine offers people suffering from pain greatly outweighs the negatives.

In some cases, however, more severe side effects can arise. If you are taking cyclobenzaprine and experience fast or irregular heartbeats, chest pain or pressure, or sudden numbness or weakness, you should seek medical attention right away.

Further, people who have a thyroid disorder, congestive heart failure, or a recent heart attack, or have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks should avoid cyclobenzaprine. This drug is also not recommended for people who are on medications for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, or migraines as well.

The risks of Flexeril abuse are low in general when compared to other drugs, fortunately. However, any drug dependency can have negative effects on one’s personal, professional, and social lives; any time someone is developing an addiction to any substance, it’s wise to seek help before the issue progresses further. 

Treatment Options for Flexeril Addiction

Flexeril addiction is uncommon, but if you or a loved one are experiencing a dependency to this drug, seek help before the problem gets worse. At Clear Sky Recovery, we treat people struggling with all types of addictions and we can help you or your friend or family member to break free from addictions though our ibogaine therapy treatments. This innovative method of drug addiction treatment is unique and effective. Our experienced staff is standing by to answer any questions that you may have about our methods or our facility in Cancun, Mexico. We would love to help you take the first steps on your recovery journey. Give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear from you!