Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol: What to Know Before Combining Them

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. 

What is Cyclobenzaprine? 

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant medicine. It is used to treat muscle spasms resulting from certain musculoskeletal injuries, usually ones that occur suddenly. It is taken orally in pill or tablet form. This drug is frequently prescribed in combination with physical therapy and rest for muscle spasms. It is typically prescribed for up to three weeks. You may find this muscle-relaxing drug in medications such as Flexeril, Fexmid, and Amrix. It is critical to note that this drug is only intended to be used for a limited period of time to reduce muscle spasms and should not be taken for longer than three weeks. 

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), cyclobenzaprine has some potential for recreational abuse as a non-controlled substance. It may be used to produce relaxation and euphoria, and it may be blended with other substances to produce stronger mind-altering effects. 

What are the Risks of Alcohol and Cyclobenzaprine Interaction? 

People may accidentally mix Flexeril with other substances while taking the drug as directed. In addition, some people combine Flexeril with other substances to enhance the outcomes of both substances. The combination of Flexeril and alcohol can be hazardous or even deadly. Alcohol and Flexeril both suppress the central nervous system, and mixing them can enhance one another’s outcomes. This can result in severe sedation or drowsiness, increasing the chance of an accident. 

Because both are central nervous system depressants, they can negatively impact your mental faculties and coordination. Driving, for example, would be particularly hazardous if you were taking both substances simultaneously. Side effects of taking these substances simultaneously include: 

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Poor memory recall 
• Decreased motor functioning 
• Seizures
• Overdose 

How Long Should You Wait After Taking a Muscle Relaxer Before Drinking?

Muscle relaxers such as cyclobenzaprine are effective for around four to six hours. Cyclobenzaprine has a half-life ranging between eight and 37 hours for most adults. The half-life of a substance is the amount of time it takes for your body to metabolize half of the drug and eliminate it. Therefore, when deciding to drink or not, the following dictate how quickly the drug is metabolized: 

• Metabolism
• Liver health/functioning
• Age

Muscle relaxers remain in your system for more than 24 hours. It is safest to wait 24 hours or longer after your last dose of the muscle relaxer if you want to drink alcohol, to avoid any potentially dangerous side effects. 

I’ve Already Mixed These Drugs. What Should I Do?

Mixing cyclobenzaprine and alcohol is very dangerous as it can cause life-threatening side effects. If you accidentally ingest both substances within the same window of time, pay attention to how you are feeling. If you begin to experience shallowed breathing, an irregular heart rate, dizziness, or partial unconsciousness, you may be experiencing an overdose. Call 911 or arrange to go to the emergency room right away. 

Signs of Cyclobenzaprine Abuse 

Cyclobenzaprine provides pain relief, boosts energy levels, and improves motor functioning when used as directed. When abused or misused, particularly when combined with alcohol, the drug can cause severe symptoms. The drug does not, however, generate euphoria or any other “high.” Indicators of abuse may appear as: 

• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Irritability
• Liver failure
• Mood swings 

If you or someone else is displaying these signs, it is a clear sign that cyclobenzaprine addiction treatment is required. 

Can You Overdose on Cyclobenzaprine? 

It is possible to overdose on cyclobenzaprine, and this substance can be deadly when combined with alcohol. If you suspect someone has taken an excess of cyclobenzaprine, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Drowsiness and a rapid heartbeat are among the most common symptoms of an overdose.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six people every day die from alcohol poisoning in the U.S. A lethal overdose can be triggered by mixing cyclobenzaprine with another central nervous system depressant drug such as alcohol. 

Treatment for Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol Addiction 

Cyclobenzaprine can become habit-forming if not taken as directed, but when it is combined with alcohol, addiction is more likely. Addiction, a chronic, relapsing brain disease, is referred to as substance addiction. When cyclobenzaprine is used with alcohol, it is referred to as polydrug use. 

If you are being treated for cyclobenzaprine and alcohol addiction, medical detoxification will be the first phase. Because your body will be eliminating both substances and other toxins, you will be observed around the clock during detoxification. Withdrawal symptoms might include: 

• Sweating
• Muscle stiffness
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Insomnia 

During your detoxification, you may be provided with other drugs to alleviate withdrawal symptoms as well as fluids to maintain you hydrated. The attentive medical and addiction treatment teams will assist you through this physically and mentally demanding period. 

You may be referred for inpatient treatment after detoxification. Because cyclobenzaprine and alcohol are frequently consumed together, you will most likely need to participate in behavioral therapy and group therapy sessions. Types of therapy include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Adventure therapy 
• Outdoor excursion outings

Your mental and physical well-being can be improved through these treatments by discovering and understanding your substance abuse triggers, improving your coping abilities, and providing you time and space to heal. 

Louisville Recovery Center Can Help

Addiction can affect anyone. 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. Anyone can recover from addiction. Our experts will help you create an addiction treatment program that suits your needs. 

Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Let us assist you in overcoming addiction by providing information about our programs and services. Please contact us for more information. You are no longer alone in your struggle against addiction.