Is Cyclobenzaprine Addictive?

Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant sold under the brand name Flexeril. Doctors prescribe it to relieve muscle spasms and treat other musculoskeletal problems.[1] While it is effective in treating muscle issues, it is only used short-term because using it frequently can lead to dependence.

If you or a loved one abuses Flexeril, it’s important to take a hard look at your relationship with the medication. Are you using it to manage muscle spasms and pain or to experience a high? If you find that you are using cyclobenzaprine to get high, you might need help from an addiction treatment center. 

Sometimes, it is hard to determine if you are struggling with Flexeril addiction. The main signs of a substance use disorder include having a hard time controlling how much Flexeril you use, needing to increase the dose of Flexeril to experience the desired effect, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. 

In this article, you will learn: 

• What is Flexeril?
• What are the effects of cyclobenzaprine abuse?
• Can you get addicted to Flexeril? 

What is Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)? 

Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription muscle relaxer used to relieve muscle spasms and chronic pain from musculoskeletal issues like sprains, tears, and aches. Doctors might use it to treat clients suffering from fibromyalgia. While it is a muscle relaxer, it also belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.

Flexeril is considered a central nervous system (CNS) depressant because it reduces activity in your brain. While taking it, you could experience dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and a slowed heart rate or breathing when you take cyclobenzaprine. Some people abuse Flexeril and eventually develop a physical dependence or addiction to it. 

Common brand names for cyclobenzaprine include:

• Flexeril 
• Amrix
• Fexmid 
• FusePaq Tramadol 

While cyclobenzaprine is not considered a controlled substance, it is sold on the street. Common street names for the substance include “Flexies,” “Cyclone,” and “Mellow Yellow.”

What are the Effects of Flexeril Abuse?

Flexeril is available as an immediate-release and an extended-release tablet. Most people who misuse cyclobenzaprine prefer the immediate-release formula, as the effects may be more intense.

The side effects of cyclobenzaprine may include:[1]

• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Dry mouth and acid reflux
• Fatigue and sleepiness
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Constipation
• Blurry or double vision
• Mental confusion
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nervousness and anxiety 
• Trouble urinating

If you take more Flexeril than you are prescribed, you increase the risk of overdose. Some symptoms of a cyclobenzaprine overdose include high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and trouble breathing.[2] Contact emergency medical services immediately if you believe someone is experiencing a Flexeril overdose.

What are the Signs of Flexeril Addiction?

While Flexeril does not cause euphoria, it can create a relaxing effect that is addictive when misused. 

The signs of cyclobenzaprine addiction include:

• Having urges or cravings to misuse Flexeril 
• Failing to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home because of cyclobenzaprine use 
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities 
• Dealing with isolation or relationship issues because of your Flexeril use 
• Attempting to quit or cut back on cyclobenzaprine use but being unsuccessful
• Continuing to use Flexeril even though it is causing physical or mental health issues
• Using the drug in risky situations, such as while driving 
• Having to increase the dose of cyclobenzaprine to experience the desired effect
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using Flexeril 
• Stealing money or prescriptions from loved ones and friends to use Flexeril
• Mixing cyclobenzaprine with other substances, like alcohol or prescription pills
• Feeling like you need Flexeril to feel normal 
• Asking for cyclobenzaprine prescriptions from multiple doctors (“doctor shopping”)
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Flexeril
• Suffering from a cyclobenzaprine overdose 

Any form of substance abuse is dangerous and requires professional treatment. To overcome Flexeril addiction, you’ll need to attend a medical detox program that can help you manage withdrawal symptoms. After you complete that, you’ll need inpatient or outpatient rehab to ensure you overcome the root causes of your addiction and develop the necessary relapse prevention skills. 

At Moving Mountains Recovery, we offer individualized and evidence-based treatment for cyclobenzaprine addiction. When you attend our highly rated drug and alcohol rehab program, you’ll receive all of the tools and support you need to recover. 

Receive Professional Help for Cyclobenzaprine Abuse 

If you or a loved one suffers from cyclobenzaprine abuse, it’s time to seek professional help. Abusing Flexeril long-term will lead to the development of a substance use disorder. You can also experience adverse physical and mental health symptoms or life-threatening overdoses when you are addicted to cyclobenzaprine. 

Attending a rehab center like Moving Mountains Recovery will ensure you get the treatment you need to achieve long-term sobriety. Our program is designed to provide you with the exact services you need based on an in-depth assessment. 

Contact Moving Mountains Recovery today to learn more about how we can help you recover from Flexeril addiction.