It is possible that you have already heard the phrase “drug interaction” before. A drug, usually a prescription like Flexeril, and another drug, food, or beverage may interact resulting in altered pharmacokinetics. It is very important to never mix Flexeril and alcohol, as it may be considered both a drug-drug interaction and a drug-beverage interaction because alcohol is considered a drug. In this blog, we will discuss what Flexeril is, what occurs when you combine it with alcohol, and why you should never mix it the two together. Muscle relaxants are not recommended for use by pregnant women, older adults, or people who have a history of depression or drug or alcohol abuse.
The combination is dangerous, leading to heightened sedative effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. Mixing the two can also lead to impaired motor skills and cognitive function, as well as memory problems. Even mixing a muscle relaxer with wine can strain the liver and increase addiction risk. It’s generally advised to avoid this combination or consult a healthcare provider to understand specific risks. Drinking alcohol while taking Flexeril, a muscle relaxant, can be dangerous.
Rest and physical therapy are typically used in conjunction with Flexeril. Doctors prescribe Flexeril as part of a treatment plan that includes physical therapy and rest in most cases. Certain types of musculoskeletal diseases, primarily fibromyalgia, may be treated by Flexeril as well. Manipulating the central nervous system, Flexeril blocks the pain signals that would otherwise be sent to the brain.
And when you try to stop, you may go through withdrawal and require treatment to stop using. If you are taking cyclobenzaprine for muscle spasms or other related conditions, it is recommended that you avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication. If you have any concerns or questions about the interactions between cyclobenzaprine and alcohol, you must consult your doctor or a healthcare professional for guidance.
Can Transcend Recovery Help with Flexeril and Alcohol Abuse?
The attentive medical and addiction treatment teams will assist you through this physically and mentally demanding period. 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.
This is seen with combinations of drugs such as sedatives and antihistamines, which both can cause extreme drowsiness making it impossible to operate a vehicle. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reports that nearly one in five emergency department visits related to the misuse of muscle relaxers also involved alcohol. If you suspect that you or a loved one is having an overdose, please call 911 immediately. Most often, drug users would experiment on a controlled substance and would be even caught mixing Flexeril with other substances.
They may drink alcohol believing that it will provide relief from nausea or headaches. In short, people may take muscle relaxers with alcohol because they believe that the two substances will counteract each other’s effects. However, this is not the case, and mixing muscle relaxers with alcohol does not flexeril mixed with alcohol counteract the effects of either drug.
Long-Term Dangers of Regularly Mixing Flexeril and Alcohol
Alcohol can also be hard on the heart and the muscles, delaying recovery. Therefore, our services and treatment programs are tailored to your individual needs and aspirations. Whether you’re battling drug or alcohol addiction, we are here to provide care that meets your specific needs while we accompany you on your path to success and sobriety in Los Angeles. But there is one muscle relaxer called baclofen that some experts believe might help with alcohol withdrawal. Mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol can make the effects of muscle relaxers more intense — and not in a good way. Alcohol abuse occurs when a person has a major drinking problem but is not yet physiologically dependent on alcohol.
Abuse of Flexeril and its potential for Flexeril addiction can occur if the medication is used improperly. The combination of these two substances might also increase the dangerous side effects of Flexeril. People who abuse the two together could quite easily develop dependence and later addiction. While medical professionals classify Flexeril as a non-controlled drug that is typically non-habit forming, some people do become addicted to the feeling it provides them. You can become addicted to the way it helps you escape daily challenges and the reality of life. Many people abuse Flexeril to mask the pain of their disease or injury rather than to put in the work to heal.
How Long to Wait to Drink After Taking a Muscle Relaxer?
To prevent dangerous drug interactions, be knowledgeable and cautious before drinking alcohol with any prescription medicine. You might find a warning on the bottle or in the instructions that alcohol may enhance the effects of Flexeril. Both alcohol and Flexeril have similar effects on the central nervous system such as slower mental processing, drowsiness, poor motor coordination, and dizziness. When you combine the two together, these side effects are exacerbated into creating a state of euphoria and acting as a sedative. This can lead to dangerous consequences including accidents, extreme respiratory depression, and even death. Both of these substances have also been known to lead to physiological addiction and physical and emotional dependence.
The physiological impact of drinking beer with Flexeril
- Alcohol consumption “at levels that are two or more times the gender-specific binge drinking thresholds” is included in the definition of high-intensity drinking (HID).
- Comfort Recovery offers specialized care for individuals dealing with the complexities of medication and substance abuse.
- Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.
Since both muscle relaxers and alcohol have this depressant effect, combining the two can compound their impact on your body. This means that the side effects of muscle relaxers, such as drowsiness or dizziness, can be intensified when you drink alcohol. Cyclobenzaprine alcohol interactions can cause respiratory depression, liver damage, and toxicity.
When muscle relaxers are mixed with alcohol, the chances of experiencing these side effects greatly increase. Additionally, when muscle relaxers and alcohol are mixed, the effects of each substance are intensified. This can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to serious health problems, such as respiratory depression and even death. Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. Mixing metaxalone with alcohol can potentiate these effects and lead to impaired coordination, blackouts, and difficulty breathing. Chlorzoxazone is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.
- When substances are misused together, the severity of these side effects is multiplied exponentially.
- Cyclobenzaprine can become habit-forming if not taken as directed, but when it is combined with alcohol, addiction is more likely.
- If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to either substance or both, it is important to seek professional help.
- Alcohol and cyclobenzaprine can be addictive if they are misused or abused and increase the risk of addiction.
- Like any other type of medication or drug, there is the possibility of Flexeril being abused.
A Guide to Hangover Supportive Therapy
The combination of Flexeril and alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. While alcohol is more likely to cause physiological dependence, using it with Flexeril can increase the potential for dependence on either or both substances. If you accidentally consume alcohol too soon after taking Flexeril and experience adverse effects, avoid driving or operating machinery and seek medical attention if necessary. It’s important to be cautious and mindful of your medication interactions.
Booze is notorious for messing with our blood pressure, decreasing it at first through vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) before leading to a rebound effect. It also causes potentially dangerous arrhythmias and increases our heart rate. Over time, these disruptions could even lead to cardiomyopathy — a serious form of heart disease. (For more information take a look at “How Does Alcohol Affect the Heart?”).
Poor vision due to these two substances also contributes to the increased risk of accidents. Moreover, a person who uses these two substances is at an increased risk for respiratory depression and overdose, falls and injuries, auto accidents, seizures, and more. Both muscle relaxers and alcohol depress or inhibit activity in the central nervous system (CNS). This combined impact can lead to numerous risks, and under no circumstances should they ever be taken together. No matter what type of addiction treatment programs you choose, it is important to remember that recovery is possible. With the right help and support, you can overcome addiction and lead a happy and healthy life.
The side effects of a Flexeril overdose include cardiac arrest, dangerously low blood pressure, seizures, central nervous system depression, heart attack, and even death. When combined with alcohol, the risk of overdose increases significantly. Alcohol enhances the nervous system side effects of Flexeril, including dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Combining cyclobenzaprine and alcohol can cause many adverse side effects, including fatal overdose.
Let us assist you in overcoming addiction by providing information about our programs and services. That is, they work to change the transmission levels of neurotransmitters within the brain and the CNS. If you fear you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose or alcohol poisoning, contact 911 immediately. Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience.
