According to the DEA, more than 25 million prescriptions were issued for the active ingredient of Flexeril called Cyclobenzaprine. Flexeril is a muscle relaxant commonly used to treat back pain. It is a widely popular assumption that Flexeril is a less addictive alternative to painkillers.

[toc]

Flexeril as a Recreational Drug

Cyclobenzaprine, the active compound in Flexeril is also an active compound of other drugs. Flexeril comes in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. Fexmid is the popular brand name for the 7.5 mg tablets, while generic versions are also available for both Flexeril and Fexmid. Amrix, on the other hand, is known as the extended-release version that can only be taken once a day and comes in 15 and 30 mg doses.

Aside from working as a muscle relaxant, Flexeril is also used to treat muscle disorders like muscular dystrophy. The medicine works by controlling the spasm and by preventing total muscle damage. Cyclobenzaprine is the active compound which relieves the spasms which started in the muscle itself. This function is comparable to other drugs which stop the pain in the muscle-controlling nerves.

Muscle spasms occur when an individual gets injured. In the first 14 days of the injury treatment process, Cyclobenzaprine is normally used to help in reducing the pain. According to Drugs.com, the said compound’s effect is in its peak within the first few days but will come to a halt after 2 weeks or after 14 days. So, since there’s no benefit derived from it after 2 weeks, it’s pointless for patients to keep using Flexeril on a long-term basis.

According to the DEA, Flexeril is very comparable to tricyclic antidepressants in a sense that they can all be susceptible to abuse. The major concern for Flexeril is that it is widely prescribed and used, hence, increasing the risk for Flexeril high or Flexeril abuse.

~ Call Chapters Capistrano Today for more Information 949-276-2886 ~

Recreational Use

Although the common assumption is that Flexeril is not addictive, the said drug was created to induce body relaxation. Hence, people abusing Flexeril do so in order to achieve that relaxing sleepiness and calming sensation Flexeril is designed to induce. Furthermore, if taken in higher doses, Flexeril can disrupt the brain neurotransmitters, thus, possibly leading to mental damage and physical injuries akin to intoxication.

Based on accounts of individuals who have tried Flexeril intoxication, the intoxication effect causes the feeling of floating outside one’s body and the feeling of being enormously relaxed. At worst, very high doses of Flexeril can cause users to hallucinate.

Can you overdose on Flexeril?

A person abusing Flexeril are more prone to experiencing adverse effects from the drug because of large quantity consumption, all just to get that Flexeril high.

These are the known side effects of Flexeril according to Healthline.com:

• Biliousness or vomiting

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Dry and parched mouth

• Lethargy

• Muscle softness and overall feeling of weakness

• Pounding headache

• Sleepiness

• Wooziness

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, if Flexeril is taken in higher doses and if also mixed with alcohol, it can result in depressed breathing and irregular heartbeat – both of which are extremely dangerous conditions. Aside from being dangerous, these conditions can also lead to long-term physical damage, especially if the individual can’t get urgent medical help.

You will notice that a person who has taken a large dose of Flexeril will look extremely relaxed, lethargic, and physically droopy. Their breathing will sound shallow and slow, their pupils will appear enlarged, and their skin might look pale or cold. If that person is awake, they will still look drunk, wasted, confused, and have trouble maintaining their balance.

~ Need More Information? Call 949-276-2886 ~

Behavioral Changes: Flexeril Abuse

These are some notable behavioral changes, according to the Prescription Medication Abuse Subcommittee of California State Board of Pharmacy, when a person is struggling with Flexeril abuse:

• Deliberately and incessantly lying about Flexeril consumption

• Lying about the frequency they take Flexeril

• Turns aggressive or defensive when asked if they use Flexeril

• Compulsive desire to take the drug on a daily basis or several times per day

• Even if taking the drug, they still have intense cravings for it

• Spends all their money on Flexeril

• Is obsessing about where they can get more Flexeril

• They can’t stop their cravings and obsessions for the drug even if they consciously don’t want it anymore

• Exhibits notable changes in hygiene and health

• Jumps from one doctor to another just to make sure they get many prescriptions

• Can’t meet obligations to their families, friends, work, school, and other social events and gathering

• Chooses to take the drug over any other activities

• Steals money to buy drugs

• Steals drugs for personal consumption

• Ending relationships or choosing to hurt a loved one because of drug abuse

• Struggling to keep his/her finances due to overspending on Flexeril illegally

If you or a loved one is suffering from Flexeril abuse or dependence, it’s time to break away from the dangerous and addictive habit. Talk to a Flexeril addiction specialist and start on your journey towards being drug-free.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.