Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) Addiction

Flexeril is a muscle relaxer that people often misuse with other drugs or alcohol.

When people think of drug addiction, they usually think of highly addictive drugs like alcohol, opioids or nicotine. Quitting any of these substances is challenging because they all can cause strong physical and psychological dependence. While other drugs are well known for being highly addictive, the human body can also become dependent on many types of drugs not classified as controlled substances. One such drug is Flexeril.

Is Flexeril Addictive?

On its own, Flexeril misuse is uncommon because the drug does not provide any significant psychoactive effects. What usually happens is people combine it with another CNS depressant to amplify that other drug’s effects.

Flexeril is not currently classified as a controlled substance; however, a prescription is required to purchase it. This lack of classification means that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration doesn’t necessarily consider Flexeril abuse or Flexeril addiction to be significant concerns.

What Is Flexeril? What is it Used For?

Flexeril is a brand name, a prescription muscle relaxer. It works by blocking certain feelings or impulses sent from the muscles to the brain.

It is usually prescribed in tablet form for people with muscle pain, injuries or spasms. Like many other muscle relaxants, it’s often meant for short-term use. Many doctors prescribe it for no more than two to three weeks.

Common Flexeril Side Effects

Some common side effects of Flexeril use include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. The higher the dose, the more likely these side effects are to occur.

There are also possible interactions with Flexeril and central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. It is possible that Flexeril can impair reactions, thinking, and alertness. Therefore, patients taking the drug should be aware of these possible interactions before driving. This risk is one of the reasons it is so important not to mix the drug with other substances, like opioids, that can impair thinking or reaction speed.

When used recreationally, Flexeril causes a relaxed, sleepy feeling and, in some cases, a mild high. The drug is usually taken orally. Users often either swallow the tablets or dissolve them into a liquid — often an alcoholic drink. The drug can also be crushed up and snorted. Like other muscle relaxers, it is a popular drug for people who use cocaine or amphetamine. This popularity is because it is a way to counteract the stimulating effects of other drugs.

Many people start misusing Flexeril after taking it, by prescription, to treat an injury. People taking the drug may first notice its amplified effects when it is combined with alcohol. This discovery can lead them to start misusing it. Taking the drug with alcohol is a very dangerous combination and could lead to an overdose. Other medications, like opioids, also amplify the effects of Flexeril and can lead to a more intense high. Mixing drugs can lead to dangerous and unpredictable outcomes.

Flexeril Overdose

It is rare for a Flexeril overdose to lead to death. However, it has been known to happen in some cases. Signs of a Flexeril overdose include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech

People who take large doses of Flexeril can experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop using the drug. The symptoms are generally mild and last for only a few days. Having these symptoms does not mean you are addicted. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Malaise

Flexeril Street Names, Common Misspellings, and Other Brand Names

The Flexeril generic name is cyclobenzaprine. Other brand names for the drug include Amrix and Fexmid. Informally, the drug is referred to with the street name “Flex-ies” and some common misspellings may include:

• flexreal
• flexerill
• flixeril

Flexeril Addiction Statistics

So far, the government has not collected data for Flexeril addiction mainly because Flexeril is usually only abused alongside other drugs like alcohol. However, there is data to show that Flexeril abuse may be increasing. In 2010, there were 12,411 emergency room (ER) visits that involved the drug. This number was more than double the number of ER visits that involved the drug only a few years earlier.

If you’ve noticed that Flexeril is giving you a perceived benefit apart from its intended use, you may have developed a dependence. You might find it to be hard to stop taking the drug. If you have Flexeril cravings, depression, irritability or mood swings it is possible that you have become dependent upon the drug.

If you or a loved one struggle with Flexeril addiction, trained professionals at The Recovery Village can help. The Recovery Village offers many different addiction treatment options to help you live a healthier life. Reach out to us today for more information.

Editor – Thomas Christiansen

With over a decade of content experience, Tom produces and edits research articles, news and blog posts produced for Advanced Recovery Systems. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more