Prescription drugs that induce muscle relaxation by affecting the central nervous system are known as muscle relaxers.
These medications are generally prescribed to alleviate back pain, muscle pain, neurological disorders, and spasms.
However, due to their addictive nature, muscle relaxants are intended for short-term use only. In this post, we’ll look at the effects of muscle relaxers and everything you need to know about muscle relaxers.
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Can You Get Addicted to Muscle Relaxers?
The potential for addiction to muscle relaxers is significant. Soma is the most commonly abused, although misuse and addiction have also been associated with Flexeril.
Soma is categorized by the DEA as a Schedule IV substance, given its propensity for misuse and dependency.
The drug breaks down in the body to produce meprobamate, a tranquilizer that can cause extreme relaxation and addiction.
Because muscle relaxants like Soma and Flexeril are designed for short-term relief of pain, extended or inappropriate use can lead to addiction and dependence.
If you develop an addiction, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you discontinue using muscle relaxers.
What Exactly Are Muscle Relaxers?
Prescription muscle relaxers are intended to assist those experiencing conditions like back pain, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries in managing their discomfort.
However, instead of treating the pain directly, these drugs merely conceal their symptoms by impacting the brain rather than the body.
While muscle relaxers can relieve pain, they can also produce pleasurable and euphoric sensations, leading many individuals to develop addictions to these medications.
Muscle relaxers that are frequently misused include:
- Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
- Dantrium (dantrolene)
- Skelaxin (metaxalone)
- Paraflex (chlorzoxazone)
- Robaxin (methocarbamol)
- Lioresal (baclofen)
- Soma (carisoprodol)
- Norflex (orphenadrine)
- Zanaflex (tizanidine)
Various muscle relaxers have distinct mechanisms of action. For instance, Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, Tizanidine, and Methocarbamol influence the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord.
Alternatively, Dantrolene acts by hindering the release of calcium, directly targeting the muscles.
How Do Muscle Relaxers Work?
Muscle Relaxers’ ability to affect muscle tone throughout the body makes them effective in treating chronic conditions.
These conditions include multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, which cause muscle spasms and tone loss.
The effects of muscle relaxants are typically felt quickly, within an hour, and can last up to six hours.
However, their sedative effects can cause side effects that can interfere with normal functioning, which is why they are usually taken in the evening.
Muscle relaxers can provide effective relief for certain conditions, but should be taken cautiously and under medical supervision to avoid potential addiction or adverse effects.
Why Do People Abuse Muscle Relaxers?
Muscle relaxers have intoxicating effects, including feelings of euphoria and calmness. Individuals who misuse muscle relaxers may mix them with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, to enhance the high. This can be perilous since it can cause severe CNS depression.
Combining muscle relaxants with opioids or alcohol can lead to a life-threatening overdose. Additionally, some people may misuse muscle relaxers because they develop a tolerance.
As a result, they require a higher dosage to attain the desired effect, which leads to addiction when the dosage is increased continuously without consulting a doctor.
Common Signs of Muscle Relaxer Addiction
If you suspect that a loved one may be addicted to muscle relaxants, watch out for the following common signs of addiction:
- Requiring larger doses or more frequent use of the drug to achieve the same effects.
- Continuing to use muscle relaxants even after they are no longer necessary for medical reasons.
- Feeling unwell, strange, or fatigued when the muscle relaxant begins to wear off.
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies and activities.
- Resorting to theft or borrowing money to purchase muscle relaxants from dealers or friends.
- Being unable to quit using muscle relaxers despite the desire to do so.
- Concealing the use of muscle relaxers from others.
- Combining muscle relaxants with other substances such as drugs or alcohol.
- Significant changes in sleeping or eating habits.
Muscle Relaxer Detox
Attempting to detox from muscle relaxers alone can be challenging, particularly if you suffer from severe and prolonged withdrawal symptoms.
On the other hand, a medical detox program can offer a secure, clinical setting with medical supervision and care to manage muscle relaxer withdrawal symptoms.
This kind of professional assistance is frequently necessary for a successful recovery from muscle relaxer addiction. It can also reduce the risk of relapse caused by severe withdrawal symptoms.
The professional treatment team at a detox center can also provide reliable recommendations for muscle relaxer rehab programs and ongoing treatment options.
Withdrawal and Treatment
Regular use of muscle relaxers can make the brain accustomed to their effects. When you abruptly stop taking muscle relaxers, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Depending on the drug and the duration of use, several treatment options are available to help you overcome addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms from Flexeril addiction are usually mild, including headache, nausea, drowsiness, discomfort, and malaise.
Symptoms typically peak about 2-4 days after the last dose, although they may persist for up to 1-2 weeks in some individuals. Flexeril detox can usually be done at home.
However, if alcohol or opioid abuse accompanies Flexeril addiction, the resulting withdrawal symptoms can be severe. In such cases, undergoing professional medical detox may be preferable.
Soma withdrawal symptoms are often more severe, including hallucinations and seizures. To manage withdrawal symptoms, the best inpatient drug rehab center facility can include a detox program for your safety and comfort.
After detox, patients can transition into the treatment phase of the program. Some people may not require supervised detox and can receive outpatient treatment.
Most inpatient and outpatient rehab programs include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you learn coping skills for recovery in the long run.
Final Word
If you or someone you know is struggling with muscle relaxer addiction, know that help is available.
You won’t have to go through the whole process alone, instead you can go through your journey with professionals.
With the proper support and treatment, it is possible to break free from addiction and live a happy, healthy life. Don’t wait – seek help today.
