Flexeril, a cyclobenzaprine brand name, is a popular muscle relaxant of tricyclic antidepressants. If taken under prescription, Flexeril effectively relieves muscle spasms and pain. However, abusing Flexeril will result in tolerance and addiction.
Most individuals that abuse Flexeril often do so due to failure to read the instructions. Others abuse the drug intentionally by mixing it with narcotics and other drugs or taking an overdose. Misuse of Flexeril will cause side effects that could also be severe depending on the quantity of drug intake, frequency, and duration.
Read on for Flexeril’s side effects.
Common Side Effects
The general side effects of Flexeril abuse include confusion, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, little muscle coordination, agitation, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, and coma.
Addiction To Flexeril
Like most drugs, prolonged use of Flexeril can cause dependence such that the individual starts feeling like they cannot survive without it. As the body develops tolerance, it will demand more dosage to relax muscles, provide healing effects, and relieve pain. You will know that someone is addicted to Flexeril if they show they are struggling to limit their use, or engage in illegal ways to obtain the drug, such as selling prescriptions and forging or requesting early refills. Other signs of addiction include withdrawal symptoms when the drug fades away, doctor shopping, intense hostility, mood swings, and combining Flexeril with alcohol and illegal drugs.
Withdrawal Effects Of Flexeril
Withdrawal symptoms are a primary sign of addiction to Flexeril. While flexeril withdrawal symptoms may not be dangerous on their own, they will worsen symptoms from other substance withdrawal, hence the need to seek professional help. Common withdrawal Flexeril side effects include fatigue, nausea, headaches, anxiety, chills, fever, and discomfort.
Overdose Of Flexeril
While Flexeril side effects are not euphoric, people still misuse it for its calming effects. Such individuals increase Flexeril dosage over time to amplify the effects, causing an overdose. Initial signs of Flexeril overdose symptoms include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, and difficulty breathing. As the effects intensify, an individual will experience the following:
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrest
- Depression of the central nervous system
- Death
Flexeril Side Effects When Taken With Other Drugs
Taking certain drugs with Flexeril will increase the severity of the side effects, such as sedation and drowsiness. Discuss with your doctor the safety of the combinations of your drugs and avoid operating machinery while under prescription. Drugs that will increase flexeril side effects include benzodiazepines like alprazolam, midazolam, and triazolam, barbiturates, anticholinergic drugs, and drugs used to treat depression such as bupropion and venlafaxine.
Heart Side Effects And Allergic Reactions
Flexeril will cause heart-related side effects, including fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, difficulties in speaking and understanding, numbness in your arms, face, and legs, and trouble seeing using both eyes. Cyclobenzaprine also causes severe allergic reactions, and some individuals may experience swelling on the face, tongue, lips, and throat, itching, and hives.
Understand The Side Effects Of Flexeril
Flexeril is an effective drug against muscle pains. However, with prolonged use, you can develop dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, stick to your doctor’s prescription, and in case of addiction or overdependence, liaise with a health professional to navigate the effects smoothly.
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