Flexeril

Understanding Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine)

Flexeril is the brand name for cyclobenzaprine, a prescription muscle relaxer that is similar to a class of antidepressant drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Flexeril was discontinued in the US, but cyclobenzaprine is still available under different brand names like Amrix and Fexmid, as well as in its generic form. Many people still refer to the medication as “Flexeril” due to the original brand’s popularity.

Flexeril treats short-term pain and discomfort that stems from muscle injuries, including strains, sprains, and spasms. It is usually used in conjunction with physical therapy. The medication helps control the muscle spasms that result in pain. Typically, a doctor will prescribe cyclobenzaprine as part of a treatment plan that also includes rest and physical therapy.

In some cases, Flexeril can be used in order to treat pain from certain musculoskeletal disorders like fibromyalgia. Flexeril works by acting on the central nervous system, blocking pain sensations that would otherwise travel from sore and spasming muscles to the brain.

Explore These Featured Centers

Flexeril Uses And Side Effects

Taking Flexeril can improve sleep, motor skills, and energy levels in patients that are experiencing severe muscle pain. In addition to these benefits, the medication can produce a variety of negative and potentially harmful effects as well. These side effects can range from mild to severe and include any of the following:

Another potential side effect of Flexeril is overdose if an individual takes too much of the drug. Although Flexeril doesn’t produce a euphoric high like many other drugs, people may still misuse it due to its relaxing effects; many will increase dosages to amplify those effects. A Flexeril overdose can cause severe health problems such as cardiac arrest, dangerously low blood pressure, and seizures. Central nervous system depression, heart attack, and even death can occur.

Signs of overdose include chest pain, hallucinations, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and extreme drowsiness. The risk of overdose is significantly increased when Flexeril is combined with other drugs, particularly alcohol or benzodiazepines. This combination can cause extreme drowsiness and respiratory depression.

Is Flexeril Addictive?

Professionals generally consider Flexeril to be nonaddictive; however, but it can still be misused.

An individual might abuse Flexeril in order to feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or sedated. Flexeril produces a variety of anticholinergic effects in high doses, altering the activity of brain neurotransmitters. Chronic use of the drug can lead to psychological dependence; and, in some cases, physical dependence, where stopping suddenly causes withdrawal-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, or irritability.

Signs that indicate someone is misusing Flexeril include:

• Taking Flexeril after it’s no longer needed or for longer than prescribed.
• Needing more and more of the drug to elicit the same effects.
• Spending the majority of the day thinking about Flexeril: how to get more, the effects it produces, and when to use it.
• Constantly using Flexeril and being unable to stop.
• Faking symptoms to get Flexeril prescriptions.
• Sudden changes in physical appearance, hygiene, and behavior.

Another telltale sign of Flexeril misuse is abusing the medication in combination with another substance to produce a greater sense of euphoria. Alcohol is commonly abused alongside muscle relaxers like Flexeril because the substances amplify each others’ effects, causing the individual to experience a more intense sedation or high.

People might also use Flexeril as a way to come down from stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or Adderall.

Finding Treatment For Drug Misuse

Flexeril can be an effective way to help manage debilitating pain associated with muscle injuries, but it’s important to remember that abuse of any drug is dangerous and can lead to the development of a serious addiction. If you think that someone you love may be abusing drugs, don’t worry; there are multiple addiction treatment options available. Contact a treatment provider for rehab-related help today.