Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) Addiction: Symptoms And Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on August 15, 2022

Flexeril is a prescription drug used mainly as a muscle relaxant that can be abused and lead to addiction. People who abuse Flexeril may experience side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Addiction treatment can help address misuse of the medication.

Flexeril Abuse And Addiction

Flexeril is the brand name for a prescription drug called cyclobenzaprine. Flexeril can be used to treat muscle spasms, muscle pain, and stiffness from sprains and other injuries.

Flexeril is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and muscle relaxer.

CNS depressants have a calming or relaxing effect on the body and brain, which they achieve by blocking nerve impulses.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) , together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are responsible for determining whether drugs like Flexeril should be controlled substances.

Flexeril is not a controlled substance, but it still has the potential to be abused and to cause some devastating consequences.

Why Do People Misuse Flexeril?

Although Flexeril does not have a high potential for abuse, people might still use the drug to achieve some sort of ‘high’ or feel pleasurable effects.

People abuse all sorts of CNS depressants, from benzodiazepines to opioids, mainly because they enjoy the sedative, relaxing effects.

Although Flexeril does not result in a euphoric high the same way opioids and benzos are known to, people still abuse the drug.

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Ways People Misuse Flexeril

There are multiple ways to abuse Flexeril, but the two most common ways include taking high doses of the drug orally or crushing pills up and snorting them.

Pill Ingestion

Many people who abuse Flexeril do so by taking larger than recommended doses orally. Flexeril overdose is more likely to occur when people take higher doses of the drug.

Snorting Flexeril

Another common method of Flexeril drug use is to crush up the pills and snort them. Snorting puts Flexeril in the bloodstream faster than ingesting the pills.

The effects of Flexeril might be more intense when the drug is snorted rather than ingested. No matter the dose, snorting Flexeril is dangerous and increases the risk of overdose.

Read more about snorting Flexeril.

Can You Develop Tolerance To Flexeril?

Flexeril tolerance is possible, even in people who take the drug as prescribed by a doctor. Using more and more Flexeril to feel the same effects is one of the signs of substance abuse.

Flexeril tolerance is more likely to develop when people abuse the drug. Flexeril use is only safe when the drug is taken in exact accordance with medical advice.

How Much Does Flexeril Cost On The Street?

People who abuse Flexeril might try to buy the drug illegally on the street. Since there is not a very high demand for Flexeril compared with other drugs of abuse, it is relatively cheap.

Flexeril might cost between $1 and $10 per pill, depending on a number of factors including the location the drug is being sold.

Learn more about the cost of Flexeril on the street.

Signs Of A Flexeril Addiction

If you are concerned that a loved one is abusing Flexeril, you need to know what signs to look out for so you can help identify the problem.

Common signs of Flexeril abuse and addiction include:

  • nausea
  • dry mouth
  • drowsiness
  • headaches
  • blurred vision
  • constipation
  • cravings for more of the drug
  • spending a lot of time trying to get Flexeril or taking Flexeril
  • skipping out on hobbies and responsibilities

Will Flexeril Abuse Lead To Withdrawal?

One of the tell-tale signs of physical dependence on a drug is when someone experiences withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the substance or significantly cut back on their use.

When people abuse Flexeril, especially by taking the drug in high doses, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Flexeril withdrawal may include symptoms like headache, nausea, drowsiness, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Detoxing From Flexeril

Because Flexeril withdrawal can be so unpleasant, treatment options for addictions to this drug usually start with inpatient detox at a certified detox and treatment center.

Although Flexeril withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, the chances of relapse during withdrawal are high because it is very unpleasant.

Learn more about Flexeril detox.

Flexeril Drug Interactions

Flexeril is known to interact with over 300 different prescription medications.

When people abuse Flexeril and take it at high doses, these drug interactions could become even more dangerous.

Certain drugs to avoid when taking Flexeril are other CNS depressants and some antidepressant medications.

Dangers Of Flexeril Addiction

Addiction to Flexeril is a serious problem that can lead to many short-term and long-term physical and mental health issues.

Major health issues that can occur because of Flexeril abuse include:

  • seizures
  • major body temperature changes
  • flushed skin
  • trouble breathing
  • vomiting
  • muscle stiffness

Treatment Programs For Flexeril Abuse

Substance abuse treatment can be effective in helping people who are struggling with Flexeril abuse.

Usually, the most effective substance use treatment programs start with detox and inpatient care, before continuing with a strong aftercare plan in outpatient treatment.

Elements of treatment programs for Flexeril abuse may include behavioral therapy, support groups, and management of any co-occurring disorders.

Flexeril Misuse FAQs

Find answers below to frequently asked questions regarding abuse of Flexeril.

It is less likely for Flexeril to cause a fatal overdose than some other drugs like opioids. Still, fatal overdose is possible with Flexeril, especially when it is combined with other drugs.

Flexeril is not currently a controlled substance, because it has a relatively low potential for abuse when compared with many other prescription medications.

Learn why Flexeril is not a controlled substance.

How long Flexeril stays in your body depends on a number of factors. First, it is important to remember that extended-release versions of the drug have a longer half-life than normal versions.

Also keep in mind that people who are younger and healthier tend to process toxins faster than people who are older and otherwise unhealthy.

If you are concerned about Flexeril detection times on a drug test, the time the drug is detectable will vary widely based on the type of test.

A hair test can detect Flexeril for up to 90 days, while a blood test may only detect the drug for up to three days.

Find A Drug Rehabilitation Facility Today

Are you or a loved one facing Flexeril substance abuse? If so, now is the time to act. Contact us today to learn about where to go for the best drug addiction treatment services.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on August 15, 2022
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