Newer studies have noted that long-term muscle relaxant abuse has skyrocketed since 2005. It is worsened by constant Flexeril and alcohol abuse among individuals. Transcend Recovery Community has collated useful information to help you or someone you know the deal with substance abuse better. Continue reading to find out more.
Is It Safe to Take Flexeril with Alcohol?
Mixing alcohol with any other medicine, or in this case, Flexeril and alcohol is never a good idea. Drinking alcohol while taking muscle relaxant medication may affect how your system takes the drug. It may also worsen the side effects or signs associated when on Flexeril.
As alcohol has tranquilizing effects, it may further impair your focus and judgment. This may also lead to the development of potential addiction. People struggling with alcohol and use of any controlled substance may also find themselves at a higher risk of overdose or long-term health issues, such as liver and kidney problems.
As any medical professional would recommend, it's best to either finish your Cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril drug prescription before consuming alcohol or to wait until there is no longer any presence of the medication in your system. Waiting to be clear from alcohol or any other substance before ingesting minimizes your risk of developing overdose, withdrawal symptoms, and alcohol poisoning.
What is Flexeril?
Flexeril is one of the central nervous system depressants currently used to treat muscle spasms. Its generic name is cyclobenzaprine. While it is not considered to be one of the controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration, this medication has a strong potential for abuse and is used recreationally by some users due to its mind-altering effect and relaxing properties for the central nervous system.
Using Cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril for muscle spasms may yield the following effects:
- General malaise
- Cravings for other substances
- Nausea
- Migraines or headaches
What Are the Risks of Drinking while on Flexeril?
Similar to how other combinations of substances like Bactrim & alcohol, Flexeril and alcohol pose many risks to the individual involved. Here are some of the most common side effects you may encounter when mixing alcohol with Flexeril.
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Mental impairment
- Mood Swings
- Gastrointestinal issues:
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- Blurred vision
- reduced body temperature
Always remember that both alcohol and Flexeril are central nervous system depressants. Mixing alcohol with muscle spasm medicine reliever increases the depressant effects of both substances which may lead to alcohol poisoning, developing withdrawal symptoms, overdose, physical dependence, and a grave medical emergency.
People struggling with their addiction to other substances including Flexeril and alcohol may also engage in unsafe behaviors, such as unplanned pregnancy or acquiring a sexually transmitted infection.
You must inform your attending doctor, should you have any concerns about developing any symptoms or another risk when using this medication, especially when paired with other substances. That way, they can address those issues and clarify any information regarding Flexeril.
Can You Overdose on Flexeril?
Cyclobenzaprine overdose can occur in anyone. People with the highest risk of committing an overdose are those people who have multiple abuse problems or mix their current drug abuse problem with other substances.
The usual signs of Cyclobenzaprine overdose are the following:
- drowsiness
- rapid heartbeat
- unconsciousness
When a life-threatening overdose occurs, it's important to call 911 right away! Seek help and always research, especially with sources like Drug Enforcement Administration. Treatment from recreational drug addiction also involves medical detox or supplemental services such as sober mentoring that may be useful during the treatment regimen.
Is There Flexeril Substance Abuse?
Taking Flexeril in itself shouldn't be a cause of concern for people, especially if it was prescribed by an attending licensed medical professional. However, there are instances when people develop a physical dependence on the drug for many reasons.
While Flexeril is mainly used as a muscle relaxant, some people abuse the drug because they use it as a recreational drug to get high, or for people who have developed drug tolerance and who need a higher dosage of the controlled substance as a result.
Some people who use Flexeril as a recreational drug experience the following:
- Drowsy feeling
- "floating" sensation
- an altered mind state
Most often, drug users would experiment on a controlled substance and would be even caught mixing Flexeril with other substances. This is done to amplify the same effects they get or to prolong the high they experience.
It's crucial to understand that abusing Flexeril elevates your risk of other long-term diseases and severe health problems. In some cases, these life-threatening issues may include a cardiac arrest, a fatal drop in your blood pressure, or seizures. Your central nervous system can also be largely affected and might develop anxiety or depression issues.
To address addiction symptoms, there are many treatment options available you can pursue, especially if it involves Flexeril with alcohol use. Some of these treatment programs involve residing in sober living arrangements, with the liberty to choose gender-specific residences, such as men's sober living, to provide a safer space to recover.
Can Transcend Recovery Help with Flexeril and Alcohol Abuse?
Transcend Recovery does not have rehabilitation programs in itself to help people with their addiction problems. However, it partners with its sister programs in providing help and mental health support for those who are in need.
Some of the services it offers include transitional housing. These sober residences serve as a second home to recovering individuals where they are surrounded by positivity, empowerment, and care. Together with trained staff and fellow residents, they can feel motivated to stay sober and recover from their addiction problems.
These supplemental mental wellness services ensure that these individuals are on track to long-term sobriety.
If you want to learn more about how we can help with your addiction, contact us today so that our Recovery Specialists can walk you through every step of how you can recover better.
