Author: Charles Frank
Muscle Relaxers and Alcohol: Why They Don’t Mix
The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of cyclobenzaprine extended-release capsules in the pediatric population. Below, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this muscle relaxer. Now, the half-life is It’s dependent on several factors such as your genetics, age, and liver function.
Flexeril is an effective pharmacological treatment for muscle spasms and pain, but it can cause adverse side effects when mixed with alcohol. If you or a loved one has been prescribed Flexeril but are no longer using it as prescribed or are combining it with alcohol, it may be time to seek help. A number of treatment approaches are available to help treat Flexeril and alcohol addiction. While it is possible to become addicted to cyclobenzaprine, addiction is more likely when the drug is abused with alcohol.
Popular Questions
Cyclobenzaprine acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects. Its actions on the CNS may also cause some of this medicine’s side effects. If you must have an alcoholic beverage, it is best to wait 24 hours or longer after taking your last dose of the muscle relaxer to avoid any potentially harmful effects.
Inpatient rehab or an intensive outpatient program can help a person addicted to alcohol smoothly navigate this transitional phase, which is critical to long-term sobriety. Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he’s your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany.Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! The reported half-life of the drug, the amount of time that it takes for your body to metabolize half of the medication and remove it from your body, ranges between 8-37 hours in most adults.
A 2017 review couldn’t draw concrete conclusions about the effectiveness of baclofen in treating alcohol withdrawal. The investigators found that the studies reviewed contained evidence that was either insufficient or of poor quality. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
- Skeletal muscle relaxants (see Table 1) work primarily in the spinal cord and brain, also called the central nervous system, to block pain sensations between the nerves and the brain.
- Mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol can make the effects of muscle relaxers more intense — and not in a good way.
- The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.
To err on the side of caution, it’s best to see healthcare professional as soon as possible, especially if you’ve had more than one drink or don’t drink often. Alcohol should be avoided if you are under treatment with a centrally-acting muscle relaxant (like cyclobenzaprine, baclofen, methocarbamol or tizanidine). When muscle relaxants are combined with alcohol (ethanol), side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and errors in judgement can occur.
Cyclobenzaprine drug interactions
But so far, evidence supporting the use of baclofen for alcohol withdrawal is limited. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
The medicine may also be prescribed to treat back or neck pain, usually for only two to three weeks. Carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine are frequently misused for non-medical reasons. Mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol can make the effects of muscle relaxers more intense — and not in a good way. Consider a longer-term detox and treatment facility if a professional has told you that your alcohol misuse is severe, or if you’ve relapsed several times in the past. The most common treatment is 28 days at an inpatient or residential rehab facility.
Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding. Please call our 24-hour hotline listed above if you need information about treatment for addiction to Flexeril or alcohol for yourself or for a loved one. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over one tablespoon of applesauce. Rinse the mouth to make sure all of the medicine have been swallowed. Because of the possibility of higher blood levels in the elderly as compared to younger adults, use of cyclobenzaprine extended-release capsules is not recommended in the elderly.
Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. It helps relieve pain, stiffness, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or injuries to your muscles. However, this medicine does not take the place of rest, exercise or physical therapy, or other treatment that your doctor may recommend for your medical problem.
Other things to avoid while taking muscle relaxers
If you’re prescribed a muscle relaxer, be sure to let your doctor or pharmacist know any other medications you are taking. Remember, alcohol can intensify the effects of muscle relaxers, and combining the two can lead to an increased risk of overdose. Additionally, both alcohol and muscle relaxers are potentially addictive substances. Long-term use of either or both may increase your risk of developing an addiction. Some facilities also include step-down levels of care to include a partial hospitalization program or an intensive outpatient program. The costs and locations of these facilities vary greatly, so speak with someone who can help you make a decision that is within your budget and that best suits your treatment needs.
If you’re taking a muscle relaxer, you should avoid consuming alcohol. Read on to learn more about muscle relaxers and why they don’t mix with alcohol. Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect serotonin levels in your body. Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.