What is Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) and What are the Effects of Mixing Flexeril and Alcohol?

Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs can be dangerous. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and when mixed with another CNS depressant, it can lead to respiratory depression, coma, or death. Mixing Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) and alcohol could potentially have serious consequences including: slowed breathing, shallow breathing, difficulty walking or standing up straight, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. If you are prescribed Flexeril for pain relief from an injury or muscle spasms then speak to your doctor before drinking any type of alcoholic beverage.

If you are considering drinking while taking this drug, know the risks involved so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

What is Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine)?

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant. It is prescribed to relieve the pain, discomfort, and stiffness in muscles caused by medical problems such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic muscle spasms of the neck and lower back. A doctor may prescribe Flexeril for other conditions as well; however, this drug cannot be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies in the United States without a valid prescription from your doctor.

The typical dosage for this medication is 25-100 mg, once per day. Depending on the severity of your condition and other factors such as age or weight, a doctor may prescribe different dosages to you. In general,  Flexeril takes effect within thirty minutes after ingestion and lasts six hours; however it can take up to twelve hours before full effects are felt by some people with mild symptoms.

Flexeril should not be taken with alcoholic beverages because alcohol will weaken its effectiveness. Repeated use of Flexeril over many days or weeks also causes dependency in individuals who have abused drugs in the past so physicians usually limit prescribing only five doses at most each month when they first start using this drug.

How Long Does It Take for a Person to Feel the Effects of Flexeril?

When it comes to how long does it take for a person to feel the effects of Flexeril, there are many factors that play into this. The most obvious one is if the individual has been taking any other medications or substances that can interfere with the Flexeril. Other than those two variables, though, there are several different symptoms that people report feeling when they first start taking Flexeril and these will help you determine how long before you feel its effects.

The most common symptoms people report when they first take Flexeril is dizziness and tiredness. These can last anywhere from six hours up to one week after taking the medication initially - which will help determine how long until you experience its full effect on your body. Other symptoms include nausea, headache, trouble sleeping and dry mouth/eyes.

Why Do People Mix Flexeril and Alcohol Together?

Mixing alcohol and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) can have serious effects on your health. This is most commonly done to achieve a “high”. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) slows down nerve impulses in the brain and spinal cord, which relieves spasms of muscles, especially those in people with Parkinson's disease. When mixed with alcohol, it has an opposite effect of making these spasms worse.

The Effects of Mixing Flexeril and Alcohol Together

Mixing Flexeril and alcohol can be dangerous because both substances affect the central nervous system. Flexeril is a medication that can cause drowsiness, and alcohol is a depressant. Mixing these two together can have detrimental effects on your health. The first effect of mixing Flexeril with alcohol is that it will make you feel sleepy or drunk faster than if you were only drinking alcohol alone. This combined state has the potential to cause accidents due to impaired judgement and coordination. A second possible effect of combining Flexeril with alcohol is feeling sick, dizzy, or lightheaded because of the sudden drop in blood pressure caused by the combination of substances at high doses.

There are other side-effects from taking both drugs including a slower heart rate which could lead to low blood pressure; as well as an irregular breathing pattern which may result in respiratory issues.

Is There Any Way to Counteract or Lessen the Negative Side-effects of Taking Flexeril and Drinking Alcohol?

It is not uncommon for people to experience side-effects when they drink alcohol while on Flexeril. The most common effects are sleepiness, dizziness and nausea. There are a few things you can do to counteract these side-effects:

1)   Avoid drinking too quickly - if you drink slowly, it will dilute the alcohol in your system before it reaches your brain and slows down your reaction time.

2)   Eat something with protein and fat - this will help slow down the rate at which the stomach empties into the small intestine where absorption of alcohol takes place. It also helps keep blood sugar levels stable so that drowsiness does not set in as easily.

In the end, if you have to drink while taking Flexeril, be sure that it is just one or two drinks and done slowly. Some people may also experience side-effects even with alcohol consumption limited to this amount. It's always best not to drive after drinking of course!

How to Treat Flexeril and Alcohol Addiction

Flexeril and Alcohol addiction is a dangerous combination. The first step would be to go through a supervised detox, followed by a rehab program. Rehab can help with both physical and mental recovery from addiction. The most common form of rehabilitation is residential treatment; however, outpatient services are also available in some areas. Make sure to talk to someone about what type of treatment may work best before committing yourself--you deserve the healthiest possible resolution if you're going to put so much effort into getting better!

Conclusion

Mixing Flexeril and Alcohol can be dangerous, so if you're a regular drinker who is on this medication, it's important to take steps to avoid the risks. If you need help for managing your pain without putting yourself at risk of side effects from mixing Flexeril with alcohol or other substances - give us a call! One of our knowledgeable doctors will work closely with you to find prescription medications that are right for your needs. We'll also provide advice about how much is too much when taking or using Flexeril as well as what happens if you drink while on therapy. Lastly, we’ll also guide you on the treatment options available to help you.

Lead Writer/Reviewer : Kayla Loibl

Licensed Medical Health Professional 

Hello!

I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. Read More

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