What is Flexeril and Why is it Addictive?
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant, often used to help with pain, but is less addictive than other painkillers on the market. Cyclobenzaprine, the active compound in Flexeril, is found in different products in various formulations. The drug is addictive when used for chronic pain support because it does help to inhibit pain, but people will develop tolerance over time. Some people try Flexeril for the high they get and become addicted to that feeling. However a person becomes addictive, it is difficult to quit without the help of a treatment program that supports detox and eases withdrawal symptoms.
Narcotic Pain Reliever
Some people believe Flexeril is a narcotic similar to other painkillers like Fentanyl or Vicodin. Cyclobenzaprine is in a separate class of chemicals for its muscle relaxing properties. Flexeril actually blocks certain nerve impulses sent to the brain but can be just as addictive as other opioids on the market used for similar reasons. Abuse of Flexeril happens through dissolving in alcohol, snorting, or taking a pill. People who abuse this drug may also abuse alcohol, opioids, or barbiturates.
Abuse of Flexeril
The risk of abuse remains high for people who use it recreationally or more than necessary for pain relief. Flexeril abuse can end up in an overdose, becoming extremely dangerous. Some of the issues that may arise include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Convulsions
- Fluctuations in body temperature
- Physical dependency where a person needs the drug to function and experiences withdrawal without
Dangerous consequences can come from Flexeril abuse, especially when mixed with other drugs like alcohol or opioids. It has the potential to be lethal, depending on what it is mixed with, making it important to be careful about interactions with other drugs. MAOs and Flexeril use can put people at risk of Serotonin Syndrome where Tetracyclic Compounds and MAOIs raise the level of serotonin too high in the body which creates changes in behavior and within the body.
Treatment Hope
The hope for someone with an addiction to Flexeril comes from letting go of denial and seeking help. Using the drug and trying to quit alone is difficult, yet many will attempt to quit cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms make it more likely a person will go back to using the drug to keep from feeling so horrible but it may have lethal consequences if they overdose. Anyone that quits Flexeril is better off seeking help from addiction specialists in a treatment facility than going it alone. In this way, they receive support and help from others who understand their condition and can provide space to recover and heal.
The Palmetto Center is based on a Therapeutic Community model. We help people learn how to live free of addiction. Our community support provides structure while trained counselors offer life skills training and therapeutic techniques to help you move past addiction. Our program provides a special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.
