Drug & Substance Guide
Muscle Relaxers
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What muscle relaxers are
Muscle relaxers are prescription drugs that act on the central nervous system to relax muscles, and they calm the entire body rather than the muscles alone.
The most common type, spasmolytics, are prescribed for pain from muscle spasms, tense muscles, neurological disorders, tension headaches and lower back pain.
A second type, neuromuscular blockers, is used during general anesthesia or when inserting a breathing tube. Those can produce temporary paralysis.
- What they are
- Prescription drugs acting on the central nervous system
- What they actually relax
- The whole body, not only muscles
- Most common type
- Spasmolytics, for spasms and back pain
- Second type
- Neuromuscular blockers, used in anesthesia
A muscle relaxer taken with alcohol or an opioid is a sedative stack. That is the combination worth calling about.
The most common muscle relaxants known as spasmolytics are generally prescribed by doctors to treat pain associated with muscle spasms, tense muscles, neurological disorders, tension headaches, lower back pain, and more. Other types of muscle relaxers known as neuromuscular blockers are also used while administering general anesthesia or while inserting an endotracheal tube to help a patient breathe. These types of muscle relaxers can produce temporary paralysis.
Muscle relaxants can be taken via tablet form or they may be administered intravenously through the bloodstream. Ideally, they are used to treat acute pain, not chronic pain, and may be especially useful if over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or Advil aren’t working to reduce muscle pain.
Muscle relaxants like Soma have been used for decades and are safe when taken as directed by a doctor. In 2017, there were approximately 4.2 million prescriptions of carisoprodol products dispensed in the United States.2
When muscle relaxers are taken as prescribed by a doctor, they can produce some normal side effects, such as:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Sedation
- Dizziness2
However, when people misuse muscle relaxers, side effects can be much more severe and may include seizures, paralysis, hallucinations, and more. People may also misuse muscle relaxers with other drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, tranquilizers, or alcohol to produce a stronger high.
One such drug combination known as the “Houston Cocktail” or the “Holy Trinity” is made up of hydrocodone,, and carisoprodol and was noted as being a popular high for drug abusers in Texas, according to a 2014 report.3
Although these drug combinations may give drug users the euphoric side effects they seek, misusing these drugs simultaneously can be extremely dangerous and is likely to cause severe side effects, coma, respiratory depression, or even death.4
Despite the risks, in 2018, about 1.7 million young adults aged 18 to 25 abused prescription muscle relaxers, and about 4.3 million adults aged 26 or older were past year misusers of these drugs.5
Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive?
Muscle relaxers can be very addictive. Most incidences of muscle relaxer addiction and abuse involve the drug Soma, although Flexeril has also been linked to misuse and abuse. For details on this specific drug, see our guide to cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) addiction.
Soma is classified by the DEA as a Schedule IV drug due to its potential for misuse and dependence. When the body breaks down this drug, it produces something called meprobamate, which acts as a tranquilizer. This can be highly addictive because it makes users feel extremely relaxed.
Since muscle relaxants like Soma and Flexeril are intended for short-term treatment of pain, any misuse or long-term use of them can lead to dependence and addiction. People who become addicted may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using muscle relaxers.
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Muscle Relaxers Addiction Detox
Completing muscle relaxer detox on your own can be very difficult, especially if you experience severe, long-lasting muscle relaxer withdrawal symptoms. However, a medical detox program can provide a safe, clinical environment as well as medical treatment and management of muscle relaxer withdrawal symptoms. This type of professional support is often essential to a successful recovery from muscle relaxer addiction and can help decrease the likelihood of relapse due to severe muscle relaxer withdrawal symptoms. A professional treatment team at a detox center can also provide trusted referrals for a muscle relaxer rehab program and ongoing treatment options.
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Muscle Relaxers Addiction Timeline
The timeline for muscle relaxant withdrawal symptoms varies depending on the person and the type of muscle relaxant that was abused. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms and muscle relaxer detox will also vary.
In general, people who are addicted may start to experience muscle relaxer withdrawal symptoms a few days after quitting them abruptly. These symptoms may persist for a few days or a few weeks.
If you’re addicted to muscle relaxers and you want to get sober, quitting cold turkey is never recommended. The safest and most effective way to stop misusing these drugs is by doing so under the supervision of a doctor or by enrolling in a muscle relaxer detox program.
What Are Common Signs of Muscle Relaxer Addiction and Abuse?
If you think that a loved one may be addicted to muscle relaxants, here are a few common signs of addiction to look for:
- Continuing to take muscle relaxants after they’re no longer medically needed
- Needing larger or more frequent doses to feel the same effects
- Feeling strange, tired, or sick when the muscle relaxant wears off
- Feeling unable to stop using muscle relaxers
- Losing interest in regular hobbies and activities
- Stealing or borrowing money to buy muscle relaxers from friends or dealers
- Hiding muscle relaxer use from others
- Major changes in sleeping habits or appetite
- Taking muscle relaxants with other drugs or alcohol11
How to Overcome Muscle Relaxer Addiction
Chronic use or misuse of muscle relaxers can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction. It can also cause serious medical problems, overdose, or death. Although you may feel like you’ll never be able to quit, the truth is, you can. There is help available and you can get sober.
If you’re ready to take the first step, a medical detox program is a great place to start. Medical detox provides a safe and supportive environment as well as medical management for withdrawal symptoms so you can rest comfortably. Clinical counseling is also provided, which can help you cope with some of the psychological symptoms of withdrawal and prepare you for entry into a rehab program if you choose to continue your treatment.
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Post Muscle Relaxers Addiction Detox
After detox, inpatient or outpatient muscle relaxer rehab is often the next step. This phase of the muscle relaxer treatment process allows for continued healing with individual and group therapy, educational lectures, recovery programming such as the 12 Step Program, Smart Recovery, etc., and professional and peer support.
Many people who are recovering from muscle relaxer addiction also choose to continue their treatment with sober living programs and aftercare services. These programs provide essential support and accountability to help newly sober individuals prevent or deal with relapse and gradually acclimate back into society after rehab.
At Nova Recovery Center, we understand your struggle. We know how it feels to be addicted, defeated, and hopeless, but we also know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you’re ready to take advantage of our personalized muscle relaxer treatment services for addiction, call (512) 605-2955 today to speak with an admissions specialist and learn more about our muscle relaxer treatment options, including detox, rehab, sober living, and aftercare.
References
References:
- https://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=77812
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/carisoprodol/carisoprodol.pdf
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/texas2014a.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1927837?dopt=Abstract
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2018-nsduh-annual-national-report
- https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/do-i-need-a-muscle-relaxer
- https://livertox.nih.gov/MuscleRelaxants.htm
- https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/how-long-does-flexeril-stay-in-your-system-374063/
- https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/11/26/how-long-does-soma-stay-in-your-system/
- https://www.rxlist.com/soma-drug.htm#interactions
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/signs-of-drug-addiction
Cyclobenzaprine Addiction, Misuse, and Withdrawal: Common Questions Answered
Can you have withdrawals from cyclobenzaprine?
Yes. Stopping cyclobenzaprine suddenly after prolonged or heavy use may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, chills, fatigue, and insomnia. Medical detox and supervised tapering help reduce risks and discomfort during withdrawal.
Are muscle relaxants addictive?
Certain muscle relaxants, including cyclobenzaprine, can be addictive if misused. Dependence may develop with long-term use, especially at higher doses or when combined with alcohol or other substances.
Is it bad to take cyclobenzaprine every day?
Cyclobenzaprine is typically prescribed for short-term use, usually no longer than two to three weeks. Daily or long-term use raises the risk of dependence, adverse side effects, and dangerous interactions with other medications.
Is cyclobenzaprine an opiate?
No. Cyclobenzaprine is not an opiate. It is a centrally acting muscle relaxant, chemically related to tricyclic antidepressants. However, misuse can mimic sedative or depressant effects.
Can you abuse a muscle relaxer?
Yes. Abuse occurs when muscle relaxers are taken in higher doses than prescribed, without a prescription, or mixed with alcohol or other drugs. This can lead to euphoria, sedation, and serious health risks.
Is muscle relaxant an opioid?
No. Muscle relaxants are not opioids. They work differently in the body, but some users misuse them for sedative effects, which can increase health and addiction risks.
Are muscle relaxers like Xanax?
While both can cause sedation and relaxation, muscle relaxers like cyclobenzaprine are not benzodiazepines. They act on muscle spasms rather than anxiety, though misuse may produce calming or euphoric effects.
Do muscle relaxers feel nice?
Some individuals misuse muscle relaxers for their calming, euphoric, or sedative effects. However, this “high” comes with serious dangers, including dependence, overdose, and life-threatening interactions.
What is a prescription drug misuse?
Prescription drug misuse means taking a medication in a way other than prescribed, such as using someone else’s prescription, taking higher doses, or combining with alcohol or drugs.
What are three examples of prescription drug misuse?
Examples include: taking more cyclobenzaprine than prescribed, mixing it with alcohol for stronger effects, or using leftover pills without medical supervision.
What is an example of drug misuse?
Using cyclobenzaprine to “get high” instead of for legitimate muscle pain relief is one example of drug misuse. Others include altering dosage or combining with other sedatives.
Is it illegal to misuse a prescription drug?
Yes. Misusing prescription medications such as cyclobenzaprine is illegal and potentially dangerous. Consequences can include legal charges, health complications, and the development of substance use disorder.
What are the main types of muscle relaxer?
The page makes two splits. By purpose: spasmolytics are the common prescription kind, used for muscle spasms, tense muscles, neurological disorders, tension headaches and lower back pain, while neuromuscular blockers are used during general anesthesia or when inserting a breathing tube. By drug, the three it covers in their own right are cyclobenzaprine, Robaxin and Soma (carisoprodol). All of them work by depressing the central nervous system, which relaxes the whole body rather than only the muscles.
How do you tell if you need a muscle relaxer?
That is a prescriber’s call, and the page lists what they are prescribed for: pain from muscle spasms, tense muscles, neurological disorders, tension headaches and lower back pain. What is worth knowing before the conversation is that these are not local to the muscle. They act on the central nervous system and calm the whole body, which is why they carry sedation, dependence and withdrawal risks that an ordinary painkiller does not.
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