Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Misuse & Addiction Treatment

What is Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)?

Flexeril is a branded formulation of the drug cyclobenzaprine. The drug is a skeletal muscle relaxant indicated for use in relieving muscle spasms and pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as strains, sprains, and injury.¹ It is not effective for relieving muscle spasms associated with central nervous system (CNS) disease.^1,2

Though its mechanism of action isn’t entirely clear, Flexeril is thought to primarily act on the brainstem to elicit its therapeutic effects. One common off-label use for Flexeril is for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain and associated muscle spasms.³  Other off-label uses include:^4,5

• Tension headache.
• Insomnia.
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Flexeril is not listed by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency as a controlled substance; however, it can only be legally obtained with a prescription and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor for treatment of a specific medical condition.

Cyclobenzaprine is available as immediate- and extended-release tablets and capsules. Flexeril is typically used in conjunction with physical therapy or exercise and other forms of treatment for applicable conditions.

Cyclobenzaprine Misuse Statistics

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse or NIDA, more than 50 million Americans aged 12 and over have reportedly misused a prescription drug at least once in their life. There were 25.2 million prescriptions wrote in 2011 that included cyclobenzaprine such as Flexeril.

Cyclobenzaprine Dependence and Misuse Potential

There is a potential for the development of withdrawal symptoms following an abrupt discontinuation of Flexeril use. Since the effects of withdrawal may be relatively mild compared to other, more severe syndromes of acute withdrawal (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), the symptoms associated with stopping Flexeril may be more commonly referred to as Flexeril discontinuation symptoms.

The common reported discontinuation or withdrawal symptoms include:¹

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Malaise.

The presence of discontinuation symptoms alone is not indicative of addiction.

Is Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Addictive?

Cyclobenzaprine medications are not DEA Scheduled drugs and, therefore, the potential for misuse and dependence with Flexeril is considered to be relatively low.

However, the drug is known to enhance the effects of other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. The DEA indicates anecdotal evidence of non-medical misuse of cyclobenzaprine for its potential euphoric, sedating effects.⁶

In addition, there was an 84% increase in emergency room visits from 2004 to 2011 related to muscle relaxant use, with Flexeril accounting for more than half of these visits.⁷

Moreover, after the muscle relaxant drug carisoprodol, or Soma, was reclassified as a Schedule IV drug by the DEA in 2011, Flexeril misuse may have experienced an uptick (since it is presumably relatively easier to obtain as an unscheduled substance).

As mentioned, polysubstance use involving cyclobenzaprine may occur in an attempt to enhance certain psychoactive effects and could increase the risk of cyclobenzaprine overdose.⁶

The use of Flexeril beyond the 2-3 week timeframe for its therapeutic effects would also indicate misuse, as would buying Flexeril without a prescription or using it in a manner other than how it is prescribed.

Signs of Cyclobenzaprine Addiction

Though its misuse potential may not be as pronounced as that associated with other more commonly thought of drugs of abuse like cocaine or heroin, problematic patterns of misuse may develop even with a drug like cyclobenzaprine.

A number of signs can point to a problem with compulsive Flexeril use—either alone or in combination with other substances.

Some signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes associated with substance addiction, or a substance use disorder, include:⁸

• Cravings or a strong desire to use Flexeril.
• Problems fulfilling obligations at work, school, or on the home front because of recurring Flexeril use.
• Worsening social/interpersonal problems due to the drug.
• Giving up previously-important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to drug use.
• Being unsuccessful in quitting use of the drug.
• Using the drug in physically hazardous situations.
• Taking Flexeril more frequently or in larger doses than prescribed.
• Continuing to use the drug in spite of experiencing negative consequences, such as worsening mental or medical health issues.
• Spending increasing amounts of time trying to obtain, use, and recover from Flexeril use.
• Needing increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effects.
• Experiencing a discontinuation or withdrawal syndrome when the drug is no longer taken, or needing more of the drug to make such symptoms go away.

Treatment for Flexeril Misuse

Professional treatment for Flexeril misuse—whether in combination with other substances or alone—can help people end their compulsive use and improve their health and wellbeing.

Because the discontinuation syndrome associated with Flexeril is relatively mild, intensive medical detox may not be necessary, though patients should consult with a physician or other treatment professional about the right course of action.

Though medical detox may be unnecessary, the structure and supportive care offered during professional detoxification can help make the process more comfortable and facilitate early recovery.

If additional types of substance dependence (e.g., alcohol, opioids, sedatives) are a factor, medical detox may be needed.

Beyond detox, professional substance abuse treatment may include:

• Focused recovery efforts through an inpatient/residential or outpatient drug addiction recovery program.
• Behavioral therapies, counseling, support group participation (e.g., 12-Step meetings), addiction education, and relapse prevention skills.
• Incorporation of the support of family, friends, and others during rehabilitation. Such supports can be crucial in helping a person achieve and maintain recovery.

Although it is an unscheduled drug with a relatively low potential for abuse, people can develop compulsive patterns of use with cyclobenzaprine, which can lead to serious consequences.

People who receive understanding and support regarding their Flexeril misuse as part of professional treatment can be successful in making positive changes in their lives and getting off the drug.

Are you ready to reach out for help and start the addiction treatment process? If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and ready to take the first steps toward recovery, call us today at .

Greenhouse Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ rehab center in Texas, is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.