Are you, or someone you know abusing Cyclobenzaprine to get high? Drugs like Flexeril are commonly misused recreationally and can lead to addiction.
Drug addiction can come in many forms from a variety of sources. Though some addictions start on the street, many begin within the home with prescription medications.
Addiction research estimates that 18 million Americans 12 and older have misused a prescription at least once in the past year, affecting teens and young adults. High school seniors abuse prescription drugs most commonly, after marijuana and alcohol.
Narrowing our focus, the drug Cyclobenzaprine carries a potential risk for abuse by Americans of all ages. Users chase the cyclobenzaprine high and risk becoming addicted to the drug.
What Is Cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine is a tricyclic antidepressant derivative, but because it is also a central nervous system depressant, it works much like a sedative.
Though created to treat depression, doctors often prescribe this medication as a muscle relaxant due to the way it blocks nerve signals to suppress the central nervous system. This drug does not come in over the counter form and always requires a prescription.
Most often, patients use this medication to treat muscle stiffness and pain. Doctors select this drug for physical therapy because it dulls the pain as patients move sore muscles and it does not interfere directly with the use of the muscle. It is often used to treat fibromyalgia as well.
What Should I Know About the Cyclobenzaprine High?
The “Cyclobenzaprine high” refers to the pleasurable and sometimes euphoric sensations that individuals might experience when misusing cyclobenzaprine, often for recreational purposes.
When taken in higher doses than prescribed or in ways not intended by a healthcare professional, some individuals might seek to achieve a feeling of relaxation and altered mood that can be described as a “high.”
The cyclobenzaprine high is not a medically intended effect of the drug, and misusing it in this manner can have serious consequences. While some individuals may misuse cyclobenzaprine to experience its euphoric effects, doing so carries significant risks, including the potential for addiction, adverse side effects, and harmful interactions with other substances.
It’s important to understand that using any medication for non-medical purposes, especially with the intention of achieving a high, can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Cyclobenzaprine Brand Name
Cyclobenzaprine is available under several brand names, with Flexeril being one of the most well-known. Here are some of the brand names under which cyclobenzaprine is marketed:
- Flexeril
- Amrix
- Fexmid
- Flexerin
It’s important to note that while these brand names may vary, they all contain the active ingredient cyclobenzaprine and are used for similar purposes, such as treating muscle pain and stiffness.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication, regardless of the brand name, to ensure it is appropriate for your specific medical condition and needs.
Flexeril Dosage
Flexeril, the brand name for the medication containing the active ingredient cyclobenzaprine, comes in different dosages. The typical dosages are Flexeril 10 mg and Flexeril 5 milligrams (mg).
These dosages are commonly prescribed to manage muscle pain and stiffness associated with conditions such as muscle spasms, strains, and injuries. The choice of dosage depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s response to the medication.
It’s important to note that dosages should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the specific medical needs of the patient. Generally, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg, taken orally three times a day. Depending on the patient’s response, this dosage may be increased to 10 mg, taken three times a day, if necessary.
Additionally, extended-release formulations of cyclobenzaprine, such as Amrix, may come in different dosages, such as 7.5 mg. Extended-release formulations are designed to release the medication gradually over a longer period, providing sustained relief.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and adhere to the prescribed dosage to ensure safe and effective treatment. Misusing or exceeding the recommended dosage can increase the risk of side effects and potential for addiction. If you have any concerns about your medication dosage, consult your doctor.
Street Names for Cyclobenzaprine
Sometimes people turn to the streets for this drug when they can no longer get it prescribed by their doctor. Street names include:
- Mellow Yellow
- Cyclone
- Flexies
Street users most often seek Cyclone.
Cyclobenzaprine Abuse
People often misuse this drug for a number of reasons because of the high created when the substance works with receptors in the brain.
People may start to abuse the drug when:
- They no longer feel the same effects from their current dose
- They enjoy the feeling the drug creates and take more to intensify the effects
- They hear it can make you high and steal or buy it from family or friends
This drug creates a physical dependency when people abuse it and over time, they may need it to sleep or even function normally.
Dangers of Dependency
Drug dependency can start to control the user’s life, which can inevitably lead to lying, stealing, the loss of employment, and more.
This medication can also negatively interact with alcohol and a host of other medications to produce annoying to serious side effects. If you do not drink or take other medications, this may not seem like a dire warning.
However, a more immediate danger exists. Abusing this drug increases the risk of anticholinergic toxidrome, as the acetylcholine builds up in the system due to the blockage of its receptors.
Symptoms of anticholinergic toxidrome include:
- Delirium
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Dilated pupils
- Flushing
- Fever
- Difficulty urinating
- High blood pressure
- Tachycardia (high heart rate)
If left untreated, this can result in seizures, coma, and heart attack. It can be fatal, so call 911 if you notice somebody experiencing these symptoms while taking Cyclobenzaprine.
As people suffering from Cyclobenzaprine addiction build up a tolerance to the medication, they tend to increase the amount they take. Doing so increases their risk of developing anticholinergic toxidrome and overdosing on the drug. This makes treatment imperative.
Is Cyclobenzaprine Addictive?
Yes, cyclobenzaprine can be addictive, the active ingredient in medications like Flexeril, carries the potential for addiction when misused or taken in ways not prescribed by a medical professional.
While it is primarily prescribed as a muscle relaxant to alleviate pain and stiffness, individuals who misuse cyclobenzaprine may find themselves chasing the pleasurable sensations it can produce, leading to dependency over time.
The recreational use of cyclobenzaprine to achieve a “high” can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. People who misuse cyclobenzaprine might gradually develop a tolerance, meaning they need higher doses to achieve the desired effects, which increases the risk of addiction. Moreover, abrupt cessation of the drug after prolonged misuse can result in withdrawal symptoms, further highlighting its potential for dependency.
It’s essential to approach cyclobenzaprine and similar medications with caution, adhering strictly to prescribed dosages and guidelines provided by a medical professional. If you or someone you know is struggling with cyclobenzaprine misuse or addiction, seeking help from medical professionals and support networks is crucial for a safe and effective recovery.
FAQ’s
Is Flexeril a narcotic or non-narcotic?
Flexeril is a non-narcotic muscle relaxant.
Is Flexeril the same as Xanax?
No, Flexeril is not the same as Xanax. Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Is Flexeril a pain killer or muscle relaxer?
Flexeril is primarily a muscle relaxant used to relieve muscle pain and stiffness.
Does Flexeril make you very sleepy?
Yes, one of the common side effects of Flexeril is drowsiness, which can make you feel sleepy or tired.
