Overdose of cyclobenzaprine, the tricyclic muscle relaxant

It works by acting in the brain and nervous system to allow the muscles to relax. No, Flexeril (also known as cyclobenzaprine) is not typically a dangerous drug and is not likely to cause death in people who take it as prescribed. A case of cyclobenzaprine (flexeril) overdose and the resultant rhabdomyolysis is presented. A review of the range of clinical toxicity, management of overdose is described.

The DEA has stated there really is no risk when it comes to Flexeril. In fact, the DEA has not officially listed cyclobenzaprine as a controlled substance at all. However, when abusing Flexeril recreationally, it does become a greater risk to the user. In the first place, Flexeril abuse can end up causing an overdose, the effects of which can be incredibly dangerous.

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Also, taking more tablets in a short time can cause adverse side effects. Of course, the amount of Flexeril a person can take will vary for different individuals. A combination of age, sex, weight, other medical conditions, and genetic factors play a significant role in the determination of a lethal dose.

Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you are not able to swallow the how long for flexeril to kick in extended-release capsule whole, mix the contents of the capsule with applesauce. After you eat the mixture, take a drink, and swish and swallow to make sure that you have received all the medication.

Flexeril High: Why This Muscle Relaxer is Creating Dependency

You continue to live at home while meeting with therapists and attending groups for education and support in your recovery. Many people begin their treatment here, while others step down to outpatient therapy after completing more intensive treatment programs. Variations of this include Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs). Being an unscheduled substance with a perceived low potential for abuse, cyclobenzaprine does not carry a high reputation for abuse, but this can give a false sense of security. It’s possible to develop a damaging cycle of using this prescription muscle relaxer, leading to severe consequences. Sana Lake Recovery Center is a Joint Commission Accredited addiction treatment program.

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Do not attempt to administer any of these treatments yourself unless instructed to by a physician or a medical expert. If you or someone you love experiences a cyclobenzaprine overdose, it is important to seek medical help immediately. An overdose of this drug can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Flexeril is similar to tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medications. Outpatient therapy occurs anywhere from 1 to 2 hours a day, 1 to 2 days a week to 4-8 hours a day for 5 days a week.

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It works to seize the motor transmission to skeletal muscles by putting a stop to alpha and gamma neurons of the transmission pathway. However, the full effects are different for everyone especially if it’s taken with other drugs. Flexeril works by decreasing the number of messages sent between the brain and the nerves, thereby relaxing tense muscles and reducing muscle pain without affecting other body functions.

Some cases of Flexeril abuse have shown symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Seizures, nausea, agitation, and hallucinations are reported effects of the drug overdose. Cyclobenzaprine, like other muscle relaxants, is only used orally. In tablet form and extended-release capsular forms, their definitive mechanism of action is still unclear; however, the drug is considered to act on the brain stem.

• These symptoms will typically subside on their own or may be treated with medications.
• Above all, the rise in emergency visits from Flexeril addiction has more than doubled in the last 5 years.
• The risk of overdose is significantly increased when Flexeril is combined with other drugs, particularly alcohol or Benzodiazepines.
• Taking Flexeril in large amounts with alcohol and other substances can add a whole slew of risks and dangers to the mix, including overdose and death.
• While the FDA indicates that there have not been enough studies involving people with hepatic impairment, the potential for the drug interacting negatively with the liver is high.
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However, it is still a drug that is diverted for nonmedical or recreational abuse. If you believe you’re addicted to Flexeril, please don’t put off getting help. It’s important to talk with an addiction treatment specialist as soon as you can. That way, you can find out for sure if what you’re dealing with is an actual addiction. If it is, you can begin to take the necessary steps that you’ll need to recover. At Northpoint Recovery, we know that there are challenges when recovering from an addiction.

Interactions with Drugs and Medical Conditions

However, many people still mix Flexeril and alcohol to intensify the effects. It is typically prescribed for short-term treatment of muscle pain, injury, and spasms. If you take Flexeril as prescribed, there are minimal side effects. However, using Flexeril and alcohol can lead to Flexeril addiction. Sometimes, cyclobenzaprine is prescribed off-label to treat fibromyalgia, although it is considered a second-line treatment for that condition. It is also being investigated in a rapid-release form as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder since the medication has similar effects on the brain as tricyclic antidepressants.