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Flexeril is a brand name drug commonly used as a muscle relaxant. You might also be familiar with alternative brand names, such as Amrix, FusePaq, Tabradol, and Fexmid. The generic name for this medication is Cyclobenzaprine. These types of muscle relaxants are only available through a prescription. Many people will begin with over-the-counter medications, designed to relieve pain including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. They are not muscle relaxers; however, these alternatives do provide temporary relief from minor aches and pains. Additional muscle relaxers and similar medications are also available including Methocarbamol (Robaxin), Carisoprodol (Soma), Metaxalone (Skelaxin), Tizanidine (Zanaflex), and Benzodiazepines (Valium).

What is Flexeril?

Most people who are prescribed Flexeril suffer from muscle spasms that are a direct side effect of central nervous system disorders and diseases, including cerebral palsy. Other individuals who use Flexeril and the generic counterpart often suffer from back pain or neck pain. They can also be used for strains and sprains. These drugs are expected to be used as a short-term solution. However, the effects of taking Flexeril will last a relatively long time. You will be expected to take it along with physical therapy, exercise and, rest. Many people will experience a better range of motion, less pain, and better sleep while taking muscle relaxants. Its use can make daily activities far more manageable. Flexeril is traditionally taken as an oral medication in the quantities of either 15 milligrams or 30 milligrams per day.

Common Side Effects of Flexeril

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. These, too, could have negative consequences on the effectiveness of Flexeril, in addition to other side effects. If you have any preexisting medical conditions such as heart issues, glaucoma or liver disease, your doctor or PA may recommend a different medication to assist with your pain management.

The most common and somewhat rare side effects of Flexeril in standard situations include:

  • Agitation
  • Bloated
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Excessive urination
  • Feelings of discomfort
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Indigestion
  • Lightheadedness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea
  • Numbness in hands or feet
  • Stomach cramps
  • Taste changes
  • Unusual Tiredness
  • Vomiting

Interactions of Alcohol and Flexeril

You might find a warning on the bottle or in the instructions that alcohol may enhance the effects of Flexeril. This is meant to be a deterrent rather than a selling point. Both alcohol and Flexeril have similar effects on the central nervous system such as slower mental processing, drowsiness, poor motor coordination, and dizziness. When you combine the two together, these side effects are exacerbated into creating a state of euphoria and acting as a sedative. This can lead to dangerous consequences including accidents, extreme respiratory depression, and even death. Both of these substances have also been known to lead to physiological addiction and physical and emotional dependence.

The combination of these two substances might also increase the dangerous side effects of Flexeril. People who abuse the two together could quite easily develop dependence and later addiction. It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking Flexeril. It is also important that you only take Flexeril as prescribed. 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. In turn, this can lead to dependence on the drug. 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.

Alcohol Poisoning and Flexeril Overdose

Addiction occurs when the substance begins to overtake your life and your thoughts. If you cannot go a day without using alcohol or Flexeril, you likely have an addiction. People who become severely agitated when they no longer have access to either substance are likely addicts. And, if you have isolated yourself from friends and family and no longer participate in activities you once enjoyed, you likely have a problem. It is possible to overdose on alcohol and Flexeril, either together or separately, and taking them together greatly increases the chances that you will.

The following are signs and symptoms of a Flexeril overdose:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hallucinations
  • Increased or decreased body temperature
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat
  • Nervousness or severe restlessness
  • Seizures
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Vomiting

Symptoms and signs of alcohol poisoning include:

  • Confusion
  • Irregular breathing
  • Low body temperature
  • Pale or blue skin
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness
  • Vomiting

If you fear you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose or alcohol poisoning, contact 911 immediately.

Withdrawal

Most people will not experience withdrawal symptoms from Flexeril if they use it as directed and avoid alcohol while they use it. However, people who have developed a dependence on the drug will likely experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Withdrawal from Flexeril can be moderately unpleasant, though Flexeril withdrawal is considered mild. However, you should understand that withdrawal from an alcohol/Flexeril addiction will be much more dangerous and complicated than withdrawal from Flexeril alone, and it can even be deadly.

The most common withdrawal symptoms for Flexeril include:

  • Cravings for the drug
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Nausea

Treatment

Treatment for alcohol and Flexeril addiction is available in a wide array of options. 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. Treatment programs can be in-patient treatment programs, such as residential treatment or outpatient treatments, which allow you to come and go during the duration of your program. The length of time will vary based on your needs, cost, and type of treatment.

The most important aspect of addiction treatment is that you are being cared for by professionals, this is due to the fact many withdrawal symptoms for individuals abusing more than just Flexeril can have life-threatening effects. All substance abusers, whether they abuse alcohol, Flexeril, or both, will benefit from therapy. You might participate in group, individual, family, or other types of therapy to help overcome your addiction and dependence. If you have been misusing Flexeril alone, speak with your doctor or PA about the best course of action to stop using the pills altogether.

Flexeril can be a life-changing medication for many people who suffer from muscle spasms and other central nervous system-related pain. However, it is important to avoid many other types of medications and alcohol while you use these potent muscle relaxers. Be sure to take them only as directed and use them along with exercise, rest, and physical therapy. If you begin to take them more than instructed, immediately speak with your doctor about the best way to proceed to avoid dependence and additional issues that may develop in the future.

Sources:

  • https://www.drugs.com/sfx/flexeril-side-effects.html