We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction. That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery. In the event someone you know is overdosing on alcohol and muscle relaxers, it is important to call 911 immediately. Mixing these two substances can cause serious health complications, including coma and death.

Muscle Matters

If you fear you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose or alcohol poisoning, contact 911 immediately. Let us assist you in overcoming addiction by providing information about our programs and services. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used to reduce muscle hyperactivity and spasms.

In addition, mental processing is slowed down to a higher degree, which can lead to mistakes in judgment which may cause people to engage in risky behaviors. In the short term, there are many concerning effects of mixing these two drugs. Coordination and motor impairment are among the chief concerns when it comes to the dangers of mixing these two substances.

Muscle relaxers such as Flexeril have the potential for abuse and addiction, as does alcohol. Abusing either of these substances places a person at risk of dependence, and abusing them in conjunction increases this risk even further. They offer a sedative effect or drowsiness which can be enhanced when both substances are taken together. The extra feelings of sedation or drowsiness could result in the individual or another person being seriously hurt due to a lack of concentration or poor attention.

Can You Mix Muscle Relaxers and Alcohol?

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. Combining cyclobenzaprine and alcohol can cause many adverse side effects, including fatal overdose. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) accounted for 11,000 of the 52,000 emergency room admissions involving muscle relaxants in 2011, and 18% of those who came in were taking the drug with alcohol. Find out about the hazards of mixing alcohol and (Cyclobenzaprine) Flexeril, a CNS depressant that causes drowsiness, dizziness, and other problems.

Treatment for Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol Addiction

• In other words, people may consume muscle relaxants with alcohol because they believe the two substances will neutralize each other’s impacts.
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• Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows down the body’s functions.
• Flexeril is traditionally taken as an oral medication in the quantities of either 15 milligrams or 30 milligrams per day.

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. One of the greatest risks of this combination is severe motor impairment and loss of coordination and equilibrium. Together, the combined use of Flexeril and alcohol can make it difficult for a person to walk correctly and balance. This effect can result in a fall, especially when compounded by other symptoms such as dizziness and impaired vision. The effects of muscle relaxers are caused by depression of the CNS and reduction of activity in the muscles. Muscle relaxers are not the preferred method for treating chronic disorders, such as low-back pain, due to their potential for misuse, dependence, and side effects.

Drug Smells and Odors

Many individuals recovering from muscle relaxer addiction utilize sober living programs and aftercare services to continue their treatment. After being prescribed muscle relaxers, the side effects can be difficult to deal with. They may drink alcohol believing that it will provide relief from nausea or headaches. In short, people may take muscle relaxers with alcohol because they believe that the two substances will counteract each other’s effects. However, this is not the case, and mixing muscle relaxers with alcohol does not counteract the effects of either drug.

• Although alcohol might initially make people feel more talkative and social as the result of an increase in dopamine, this stimulating effect is misleading and only temporary.
• You may find this muscle-relaxing drug in medications such as Flexeril, Fexmid, and Amrix.
• Your central nervous system can also be largely affected and might develop anxiety or depression issues.
• If you or someone you know is abusing cyclobenzaprine, it is important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid these potentially fatal consequences.

The Risks of Combining Muscle Relaxers and Alcohol

The medicine may also be prescribed to treat back or neck pain, usually for only two to three weeks. Alcohol abuse occurs when a person has a major drinking problem but is not yet physiologically dependent on alcohol. The failure to fulfill significant work, school, or family obligations is a symptom, as are legal or social issues or drinking in risky settings, as when operating a motor vehicle. Support groups, counseling, or relapse prevention medication are all possible treatment options.

Additionally, both alcohol and muscle relaxers are potentially addictive substances. Long-term use of either or both may increase your risk of developing an addiction. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant that can slow down the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness, impaired coordination, and other effects. When taken together, cyclobenzaprine and alcohol can intensify each other’s effects, leading to severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and impaired judgment. Cyclobenzaprine alcohol interactions can cause respiratory depression, liver damage, and toxicity.

Over half of Americans increased their alcohol consumption during COVID-19 lockdowns. Treatment may include support groups, counseling, or medication flexeril alcohol to prevent relapse. The half-life of Flexeril (that is, how long it takes for half of it to be eliminated from your system) is anywhere between 8 to 37 hours. You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings.

Northern Illinois Recovery Center

If you must have an alcoholic beverage, it is best to wait 24 hours or longer after taking your last dose of the muscle relaxer to avoid any potentially harmful effects. Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. The We Level Up Treatment Center Network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Problems arise when people abuse Flexeril or mix Flexeril and alcohol together.

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. It is possible to overdose on cyclobenzaprine, especially if it is combined with other substances such as alcohol. If you suspect someone has taken too much cyclobenzaprine, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Dual diagnosis treatment is a saving grace for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders. It’s important to treat them simultaneously because they influence each other in a recovering person’s journey. Chronic relapse is a common issue for those with co-occurring disorders. People tend to mix alcohol and other substances for the combined effect of euphoria or disassociation. A person can self-medicate and become addicted if their patterns don’t change.

Some individuals, on the other hand, use Flexeril in conjunction with other substances to boost their effects. Mixing Flexeril with alcohol can have serious or even lethal consequences. Because both substances depress the central nervous system, their effects become more intense when combined. This may result in severe sedation or drowsiness and may increase the chance of an accident. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with cyclobenzaprine or alcohol abuse, treatment in Louisville, Kentucky is available. Louisville Recovery Center’s customized services and treatment programs can assist you.

These can include drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, falls, and injuries. Cyclobenzaprine with alcohol can also cause respiratory depression, a potentially life-threatening condition resulting in slowed or shallow breathing. If you are taking cyclobenzaprine for muscle spasms or other related conditions, it is recommended that you avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication. If you have any concerns or questions about the interactions between cyclobenzaprine and alcohol, you must consult your doctor or a healthcare professional for guidance. They can provide specific instructions on safely taking the medication and avoiding potential harm. Mixing Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and alcohol can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.