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The-Not-So-Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol

The-Not-So-Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol

Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medicine to treat muscle spasms like Charley horses which may be caused by poor blood flow, dehydration, or lack of potassium or magnesium in the diet. There are other causes of spasms, but these are common reasons why muscles tend to tighten. Cyclobenzaprine is typically taken when a person is told to rest or participate in physical therapy, helping to relax the tension in the muscles. You’ll find cyclobenzaprine in brand-name medications such as Flexeril, Fexmid, and Amrix. Cyclobenzaprine and alcohol are not taken together since cyclobenzaprine is a depressant. If alcohol consumption is high, then drinking may become a depressant, which leads a person to a mental imbalance.

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Cyclobenzaprine Interactions With Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol with Flexeril is not a wise decision since drinking can increase the nervous system’s side effects. Flexeril is an antispasmodic drug. The most common side effects of Flexeril include blurred vision, drowsiness, and headaches, and alcohol will only worsen these symptoms.

Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment, but symptoms can grow to be much more severe. It is essential not to use more than the recommended dose of cyclobenzaprine, even if you only drink a low quantity of alcohol. Cyclobenzaprine side effects with alcohol include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Slowed mental processing
  • Decreased motor coordination
  • Likelihood of abuse and psychological dependence

So, can you drink alcohol with cyclobenzaprine? The answer is no, or at least, if you are, a very small amount should be ingested.

Addiction to Flexeril and Alcohol

When taken at higher doses, such as 30 to 50 mg, individuals have said that they feel as if they are floating outside their own bodies. It seems that everyone is affected differently, so some may grow tolerance and become addicted, and others may feel other effects. Some may find that the drug brings them down or makes their body feel heavy. Dependence can develop in a drug when the brain becomes accustomed to the interaction of the cyclobenzaprine. The brain begins to rely on the drug in order to function correctly. When withdrawal symptoms begin to occur as the drug leaves the bloodstream, addiction or dependence is easily recognized.

Signs of an overdose may be a rapid heartbeat, slurred speech, vomiting, or hallucinations. There are more serious side effects, but as mentioned, when mixing cyclobenzaprine and alcohol, people are more prone to fall into an addiction, along with mixing the medication with other substances. Generally, alcohol should not be mixed with any prescription drug due to the potential health risks.

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Help for Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol

If you or a loved one is experiencing dependency on certain medications or alcohol, then our California drug treatment programs may be what you need. From medical detox services to substance abuse therapy, we get you through withdrawals safely and efficiently so you can live a sober and productive life. Our licensed therapists offer unique therapeutic methods that will assist you during the recovery process.

At our Palm Springs drug rehab, there is always a highly trained professional who is available to speak to you and answer any questions that you may have. After the realization that you have an addiction, receiving professional help is the very next step. We welcome you to your journey to recovery with open arms.


Contact Banyan Treatment Center today at 888-280-4763 today to get started!

Related Reading:
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Bupropion And Alcohol
What Happens When You Mix Seroquel and Alcohol?

Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.