Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) Addiction | Abuse, Dependence, Signs, & Treatment

Flexeril is a brand name muscle relaxant made with the generic drug cyclobenzaprine. It’s prescribed in combination with physical therapy to help patients recover from muscle spasms, pain, or tenderness following an injury. It can also be used to treat conditions like muscular dystrophy and fibromyalgia.

The way Flexeril produces its effects isn’t fully understood. However, it is known to have a structure similar to tricyclic antidepressants and it acts as a central nervous system depressant.

Flexeril’s widespread use relates to its effectiveness, low risk of side effects, and low abuse potential. 

However, Flexeril and its generic equivalents are still sometimes abused to produce a pleasurable sedation, especially in combination with other CNS depressant substances like alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.

Flexeril Abuse

Unlike opioid painkillers, Flexeril doesn’t produce a euphoric high when it’s abused, even in high doses. 

Instead, the drug is known for generating a state of relaxation and feelings of drowsiness, well-being, and mildly altered sensations that may make it feel like a person is floating.

Intensifying The Effects Of Flexeril

In order to intensify these effects, some people will sometimes take larger doses than recommended, crush or chew tablets to increase the rate of absorption, or mix Flexeril with other drugs of abuse.

Alternatively, the drug is sometimes abused to medicate against the comedown effects that follow an extended period of stimulant drug abuse, especially cocaine binges.

Is Flexeril A Controlled Substance?

While the DEA and FDA do not consider Flexeril to have a high enough potential for abuse or dependence to warrant its inclusion as a scheduled drug/controlled substance, Flexeril is not available over the counter and is only legally distributed with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Potentially Severe Side Effects

Common side effects associated with Flexeril use include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness.

Other more severe symptoms are also possible and may be more likely to occur when the medication is misused, including: 

• agitation
• nervousness
• malaise
• fatigue
• headaches
• nausea
• constipation
• blurred vision
• confusion
• acid reflux
• abdominal or chest pains
• fever
• problems with urination
• dysphagia (difficulty swallowing, which may potentially be life-threatening)

Taking Flexeril with MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or other serotonergic substances may also cause a dangerous collection of symptoms known as serotonin syndrome. These symptoms can include agitation and changes to blood pressure, body temperature, and behavior.

Flexeril Dependence & Addiction

Flexeril has no proven benefit in medical care if used for longer than two weeks and is intended only as a short-term intervention.

If Flexeril is instead taken chronically, some degree of mild physical dependence may develop over time. 

In contrast to Flexeril dependence, Flexeril addiction is a form of substance use disorder, a behavioral disorder that develops when a person’s misuse of a substance becomes compulsive, chronic, unmanageable, and harmful.

These two conditions often develop together, though a person who is physically dependent on a drug may not necessarily be addicted to it.

Flexeril Withdrawal

Physical dependence may lead to the emergence of relatively mild but still uncomfortable Flexeril withdrawal symptoms when the drug is eventually discontinued. These may resemble the withdrawal effects related to prolonged use of tricyclic antidepressants.

Signs Of Flexeril Addiction

Potential signs that a person has developed Flexeril addiction may include:

• continuing to the take the medication over a long period of time
• needing higher doses of Flexeril over time to feel the same effects
• spending significant amounts of time thinking about using Flexeril or how to get more
• being unable to stop taking the drug even if one wants to
• experiencing cravings for Flexeril
• experiencing changes to personality, appearance, or behavior
• having difficulty maintaining one’s personal or professional responsibilities
• buying Flexeril on the street or online, or faking symptoms to get more prescriptions

Flexeril Street Names

The most commonly reported street names for Flexeril include ‘cyclone’ and ‘mellow yellow,’ referring to the drug’s name and recreational effects, respectively.

Flexeril Overdose

Cyclobenzaprine overdoses may cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms which may include:

• severe drowsiness
• severe dizziness
• irregular heart rate
• agitation
• anxiety
• slurred speech
• confusion
• nausea and vomiting
• hallucinations
• difficulty breathing
• convulsions

In rare cases, overdosing on Flexeril can also cause life-threatening cardiac arrest or seizures. 

Additionally, mixing Flexeril with other drugs of abuse, including both CNS depressants and stimulants, increases a person’s risk of overdose and other severe or dangerous symptoms.

Cyclobenzaprine Addiction Treatment

While the effects of Flexeril may not be as euphoric or addictive as controlled substances like oxycodone or clonazepam, the dangers of cyclobenzaprine abuse should not be underestimated, especially when it’s used in combination with alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription drugs. 

Fortunately, our treatment facilities offer a comprehensive spectrum of care for prescription drug addiction, including:

• medical detox services
• inpatient treatment
• outpatient treatment
• individual and group counseling
• peer support groups
• dual diagnosis treatment
• alternative treatment options
• aftercare support

To learn more about our professional treatment programs, please reach out to Ark Behavioral Health today.