Cyclobenzaprine is a potent muscle relaxant that is typically prescribed to treat muscle injuries and severe pain. If used as prescribed, the drug can be helpful to alleviate pain. However, cyclobenzaprine is also commonly abused for its sedative and pain-numbing effects.
What is Cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine is a class of prescription drugs that are used as skeletal muscle relaxants to treat muscle spasms and severe pain. It was previously sold under the brand name Flexeril, though that has been discontinued in the US. However, it is still available under the brand names Amrix and Fexmid. As a nervous system depressant, it works by blocking the sensation of pain in the central nervous system. In addition to its ability to alleviate pain, cyclobenzaprine can cause potent sedative effects. It is intended for short-term use in part because of its risk for abuse and addiction.
Though it is not considered a controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it is still possible to abuse the drug and develop physical dependence to it. This is one of the key components of addiction.
The Cyclobenzaprine high
When taken without a medical need or at high doses, cyclobenzaprine can produce a high that can create an altered state of mind, profound relaxation, and even cause people to feel like they’re floating. Though it’s not likely to cause intense feelings of euphoria, the general feeling of relaxation can be appealing to users. When abused at high doses, it’s possible to experience deep stupor and hallucinations. It may become difficult to move around freely while high on cyclobenzaprine.
Side effects of Cyclobenzaprine use
Cyclobenzaprine’s effects may occur even when it is used as prescribed. However, the likelihood and severity of these effects increases with improper high doses. These effects include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Confusion or stupor
- Headache
- Elevated heart rate
- Impaired coordination
- Impaired cognition and memory
- Seizures
- Anxiety
These effects are also more likely if cyclobenzaprine is combined with other substances. Since it is a depressant, it may be especially dangerous to mix it with other depressants such as alcohol. This can create a synergistic reaction that has a more profound effect on the nervous system, potentially slowing down breathing and heart rate to a life-threatening degree.
Is Cyclobenzaprine addictive?
Cyclobenzaprine has a low potential for abuse and addiction on its own, even though it’s only available by prescription. However, the drug may be abused, particularly in conjunction with other substances like alcohol. In recent years, ER visits that involve cyclobenzaprine have increased dramatically. This is due in part to similar muscle relaxants like carisoprodol becoming classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance.
Signs of Cyclobenzaprine abuse and addiction
There are several behavioral signs and symptoms of cyclobenzaprine abuse and addiction that may be noticeable to the individuals using the drug or their loved ones. Some of these signs include:
- Intense cravings to use cyclobenzaprine
- Increased time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from cyclobenzaprine use
- Taking the drug at higher doses or more frequently than intended
- Neglecting professional, family, or social responsibilities due to cyclobenzaprine use
- Continued drug use despite its negative physical effects
- Tolerance, requiring higher doses of cyclobenzaprine to achieve the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when cyclobenzaprine use is stopped
These signs may be evident whether someone is using cyclobenzaprine alone or in conjunction with other substances.
Cyclobenzaprine withdrawal
When cyclobenzaprine is suddenly discontinued, individuals may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This occurs because the body becomes accustomed to having the drug and can no longer function normally without it. Withdrawal symptoms tend to peak 2-4 days after the last dose, but they may last up to two weeks. These symptoms include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- General malaise
Cyclobenzaprine overdose
Cyclobenzaprine overdose is especially likely when the drug is taken at extremely high doses or taken with other substances like alcohol or opiates. Overdose is considered a medical emergency and immediate medical attention is recommended. Some signs of overdose include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Elevated heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Loss of consciousness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Coma
Overdose may lead to cardiac arrest if not treated. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cyclobenzaprine overdose should be managed with gastric lavage and activated charcoal to limit the effects of the drug on the body.
Cyclobenzaprine abuse and addiction treatment
Cyclobenzaprine abuse and addiction can be treated in a variety of different ways according to individual need. For example, co-occurring mental health issues or co-substance abuse may require additional treatment. Addiction treatment typically begins with medical detox. During detox, individuals are monitored around-the-clock to limit dangerous withdrawal symptoms and keep the person comfortable.
Following detox, individuals can undertake a full-time schedule of individual and group therapy as part of an inpatient addiction treatment program. Therapy can help them uncover underlying triggers for cyclobenzaprine abuse and teach healthier coping strategies. These skills can help people maintain long-term recovery long after their addiction treatment program ends.
Effective substance use treatment requires a careful assessment of each person’s needs and recovery goals.
At Austin Pines Ranch, we offer an extensive array of programs and services to accommodate those needs, taking into account personal and professional obligations and time commitment. With the help of a professional team, we will evaluate substance abuse history, mental health, and psychosocial status to determine the level of care that’s best suited for you.
