Author: John Carter
Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol Can You Drink on Muscle Relaxers? DBH
If you’ve already mixed muscle relaxants and alcohol, stop drinking immediately. 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. Cyclobenzaprine is used to help relax certain muscles in your body. 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. Cyclobenzaprine acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects.
- A number of treatment approaches are available to help treat Flexeril and alcohol addiction.
- Muscle relaxers like cyclobenzaprine usually last around four to six hours.
- Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.
- When cyclobenzaprine and alcohol are abused together, it is called polydrug use.
In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. 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.
Other cyclobenzaprine interactions
It is usually prescribed to treat skeletal muscle conditions, strains, or other muscle injuries. The medicine may also be prescribed to treat back or neck pain, usually for only two to three weeks. Cyclobenzaprine can interact with various prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, to varying degrees of severity.
When cyclobenzaprine and alcohol are abused together, it is called polydrug use. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. Medicines that interact with cyclobenzaprine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with cyclobenzaprine.
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. Muscle relaxers like cyclobenzaprine usually last around four to six hours. Cyclobenzaprine has a half-life that ranges between eight to 37 hours for most adults.
When to talk to a healthcare provider about cyclobenzaprine interactions
Although cyclobenzaprine does not have any notable food interactions, there are some other interactions and precautions to be aware of. Since both muscle relaxers and alcohol have this depressant effect, combining the two can compound their impact on your body. This means that the side effects of muscle relaxers, such as drowsiness or dizziness, can be intensified when you drink alcohol.
The American Geriatrics Society’s Criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults outlines medications that may not be safe for older adults (generally 65 years or older). Experts note that cyclobenzaprine is poorly tolerated by older adults due to these side effects and that the lower doses prescribed for older adults are not always effective. CNS depressants cause a slowing down of the central nervous system. Taking it with another CNS depressant should be avoided because it can worsen the adverse effects and cause impairment and extreme sedation. In some cases, it can cause slowed breathing, coma, or even death. Make sure you tell your healthcare provider if you take a CNS depressant, or ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if any of your medications are CNS depressants.
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. Muscle relaxers have a depressant effect on your central nervous system. Alcohol has a similar effect, so mixing the two can intensify these effects.
Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol
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]! Now, the half-life is It’s dependent on several factors such as your genetics, age, and liver function. The elderly and folks with impaired liver function tend to metabolize it slower. If we assume that you metabolize cyclobenzaprine quickly, even 24 hours after a single 10mg dose, at least 1.25mg of cyclobenzaprine would still be in your system.
The attentive medical and addiction care teams at your treatment facility are there to help you through this physically and mentally challenging time. Treatment for cyclobenzaprine and alcohol abuse starts with medical detox, where you will be observed 24 hours per day for as many days as you are admitted into detox. As your body starts eliminating both substances and all other toxins from it, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms.
After you are finished in detox, it is possible you will be recommended for inpatient treatment. Polydrug use often includes a strong component of psychological therapy. When alcohol and cyclobenzaprine have been abused together, you probably will need to participate in behavioral therapies and group therapy programs, like the 12-step programs.
Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. Triggers in an addicted person’s immediate environment can easily lead to relapse without the proper coping skills. 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. Alcohol isn’t the only thing to steer clear of while taking muscle relaxers. 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.
It’s believed that baclofen works by mimicking the effects of alcohol on a specific type of receptor in the brain. But so far, evidence supporting the use of baclofen for alcohol withdrawal is limited. Mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol can make the effects of muscle relaxers more intense — and not in a good way. 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. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider for professional medical advice. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with cyclobenzaprine.