Flexeril Dosage, Side Effects, and Risks

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed to treat short-term pain or discomfort associated with injuries such as sprains, muscle strains, or muscle spasms. In some cases, clinicians might prescribe it to treat pain associated with fibromyalgia. Because the drug blocks pain effectively, it has been a drug of abuse. It can also cause drowsiness as a side effect, which underscores the potential for abuse. 

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, our licensed and experienced clinicians treat mental health and behavioral health conditions such as substance use disorders and dual diagnosis. Our treatment center offers comprehensive programs that include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, medical detox, and aftercare. Our clinicians can prescribe medication-assisted treatment and provide dual diagnosis treatment for clients who have a mental health condition along with a substance use disorder. 

If you have developed a dependence on or an addiction to Flexeril, help is available. An addiction will not clear up without making major changes in one’s everyday life. Treatment helps people identify unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving to develop effective strategies for managing these patterns and establishing new, healthy ones. Most people cannot manage an addiction successfully without treatment. Relapse rates are incredibly high. If you have an addiction, you need help.

Resurgence Behavioral Health offers a safe and welcoming rehab environment where you can immerse yourself in your recovery plan. Our clinicians customize a treatment plan for each client to ensure everyone gets the individualized care they need to achieve their recovery goals. As a leading rehab treatment center, we can help you each step of the way with therapeutic approaches that are known for their safety and effectiveness. Don’t wait to get help putting drug or alcohol abuse behind you.

What is Flexeril?

Flexeril is the brand name of the generic drug cyclobenzaprine. It is a prescription medication that treats pain related to muscle spasms, sprains, and strains. Doctors may also prescribe it to patients with fibromyalgia. It works by blocking pain in the central nervous system. A muscle relaxant and pain reliever can also promote so much relaxation that some people feel drowsy. The pain relief and pleasurable feelings of relaxation can lead some people to abuse this drug. Patients can become dependent or addicted to this medication. If you’ve developed a dependence or addiction, Resurgence Behavioral Health can help.

Flexeril Dosage Guidelines

Flexeril is intended for short-term use and is not typically prescribed for periods beyond three weeks. Generally, patients take one 15 mg pill daily to control pain. In some cases, patients may be prescribed to take 30 mg of the medication each day. The medication is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. 

Potential Side Effects of Flexeril

There are many potential side effects that patients may experience when using this medication. These side effects can include:

• Dry mouth.
• Fatigue.
• Drowsiness.
• Constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.

Serious side effects can include allergic reactions as well as central nervous system depression and heart irregularities. You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience any serious side effects. Be sure to report any side effects you experience to your physician. 

Risks Associated with Flexeril Use

There are risks associated with Flexeril use. These risks include the potential, though rare, for serious side effects. If you’re wondering are muscle relaxers addictive, these drugs, including Flexeril, can be addictive. The medication is only intended for short-term use. Abuse of the drug or longer-term use can increase the risk of physical dependence and the development of addiction, which includes physical, mental, and behavioral dependencies. To minimize the risks, do not use it longer than three weeks or longer than medically necessary, and do not abuse it. 

Flexeril Interactions with Other Substances

Flexeril should not be taken with other drugs as serious interactions could occur. These drugs include MAOIs (such as Carbex and Nardil), Safinamide, and narcotic medications. The drug may also interact with the following substances:

• Alcohol.
• Seizure medications.
• Bupropion.
• Antihistamines.
• Anxiety medications.
• Sleep medications.
• General anesthetics.
• Local anesthetics.

This is not an exhaustive list, so report any other medications you may be taking or expect to take when being prescribed this medication. If you experience medication interactions, you should alert your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical treatment. Drug interactions could range from mild to severe — even life-threatening. Be sure you do not increase your dose of this or other medications unless your physician advises. Among the long list of musicians lost to drug overdose, Whitney Houston’s autopsy after her death in 2012 found she had Flexeril in her system, along with Xanax, Benadryl, marijuana, and cocaine.

Managing Flexeril Side Effects and Risks

You can manage the Flexeril side effects by alerting your physician and following their advice. Many side effects may disappear once you become used to the medication. However, if mild effects worsen, consult your doctor or seek emergency medical treatment. It is not a high-risk medication in terms of safety when used as directed. The risk for abuse, however, is present, especially if the drug is abused or its use is extended beyond the recommended three weeks. If you are concerned about any aspects of this drug’s use, especially about your condition, you should talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The clinicians at Resurgence Behavioral Health are experienced with this medication and can answer your questions if you require further information.

Recognizing Flexeril Abuse and Addiction

Flexeril abuse can lead to drug dependency and addiction. You should note the signs and symptoms of its abuse and addiction so you can take steps to get help. These signs and symptoms include:

• Increase the dose of the medication without the consent of your prescribing physician.
• Using someone else’s prescription medication or buying the drug on the street.
• Thinking about the drug increasingly more frequently.
• Doctor shopping in order to obtain more of the medication.
• Attempting to stockpile the drug.
• Lying about your Flexeril use.
• Trying to stop taking the drug and being unable to. 
• Experiencing negative consequences as a result of using the drug.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you don’t use the drug.

If you experience these signs or symptoms, you should visit Resurgence Behavioral Health to evaluate your condition. There is treatment available. It’s always best to stop an addiction before it gets started or as soon as possible so that it doesn’t deepen. 

Treatment for Flexeril Abuse and Addiction

Resurgence Behavioral Health treats Flexeril abuse and addiction. Our rehab center treats all forms of substance abuse. Prescription medication addiction affects millions of people, but there is help. Many insurance providers offer coverage for substance abuse treatment. Our rehab center can individualize your treatment to suit your needs. Whether you require inpatient or outpatient therapy, personalized treatments and our amenity-rich setting can benefit you. With high-quality substance abuse treatment at Resurgence Behavioral Health, you can achieve your recovery goals.

Call Resurgence Behavioral Health for Help

The time to get help with your drug abuse problem is now. Call Resurgence Behavioral Health at 855-458-0050 to learn more about our treatment programs and enrollment process. Our staff can verify your insurance or discuss other financial options. When you contact us, we can answer all of your questions and help you get into treatment as soon as possible so you can safeguard your health and future. A drug addiction is serious. It’s a chronic condition that requires effective management. Let Resurgence Behavioral Health help you put drug abuse in your past.

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial