Flexeril Archives - Buy Cyclobenzaprine (Generic Flexeril )

Flexeril Abuse Treatment

There are many different treatment options a person suffering with Flexeril abuse or addiction may want to consider.

Medically supervised detox is often a first course of treatment for addicted people who are at risk of experiencing troublesome withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, medications may be administered to help make the process more comfortable and decrease the likelihood of immediate relapse.

While not everyone who abuses Flexeril will experience withdrawal symptoms, there are some people who would benefit from supervised detox services—such as those who mix Flexeril and alcohol or other drugs.

Flexeril Addiction Treatment Types

Individual and group counseling are important components of any addiction treatment program because they help people mentally and emotionally cope with the withdrawal effects of Flexeril and uncover the subconscious drives and emotions that contribute to their drug abuse.

Counseling provides people with an opportunity to discover their triggers, as well as to learn and use alternative coping skills.

Support groups and 12-Step programs provide the support of other people in recovery to help a person stay focused on their goal of sobriety. Peers can help remind each other of the negative consequences of drug use, as well as encourage the use of healthy coping skills.

Many inpatient treatment programs are set in residential facilities on a 24-hour basis for a designated period—usually at least 30 days.

By residing in a facility full-time, patients can focus exclusively on their recovery without the added pressures and stressors of the outside world. Inpatient treatment provides a combination of detox services, medical care, counseling, and support groups, so this intensive, round-the-clock care is typically better suited for those with more severe cases of Flexeril addiction—such as polysubstance abusers who mix Flexeril with alcohol or other drugs.

Outpatient treatment also consists of some combination of detox, counseling, and peer support, but care takes place on a part-time basis while the patient continues to reside in their home.

This type of treatment is generally less expensive and more accessible for many people. Those with relatively less severe addiction issues who wish to remain active in their personal and professional lives during treatment typically prefer outpatient rehab programs. Patients can continue to work, go to school, and fulfill other responsibilities while still making a commitment to their recovery.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare is perhaps one of the most important (and often forgotten) elements of treatment. Many people assume that addiction treatment is over when they complete their initial rehab program, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing illness, so to help maintain long-term recovery, it is important that patients have a solid aftercare plan in place by the time they discharge from their treatment program.

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing illness, so to help maintain long-term recovery, it is important that patients have a solid aftercare plan in place by the time they discharge from their treatment program.

Aftercare treatment emphasizes relapse prevention to maximize a person’s chances of sustained sobriety. This typically consists of:

Continued individual and group counseling.
Regularly attending support groups or 12-Step meetings.
Having a sponsor or other designated person who can be called upon when a person feels at risk of relapse.

Clients with severe addictions may need more intensive aftercare treatment, such as medication maintenance, routine drug testing, or a period of residence in a sober living community after rehab. Non-pharmacologic pain management approaches may also supplement any solid aftercare strategy for those who began abusing Flexeril in association with injury or chronic pain.

It is important to understand that each person’s Flexeril addiction is unique, so no single treatment will work for everyone. Because Flexeril is often abused in combination with other drugs, different courses of treatment may be used to treat co-occurring addictions. For example, those who are addicted to Flexeril as well as alcohol or opiates may be initiated on applicable medication-assisted treatment regimens to help manage these concurrent substance dependencies.

Side Effects of Flexeril Abuse

There are many physical and psychological side effects that may occur when a person abuses Flexeril, some of which may become worse when combining it with alcohol or other drugs. Potential negative effects of Flexeril abuse include:

- Elevated heart rate.
- Nausea.
- Excessive drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Dry mouth.
- Headaches.
- Confusion.
- Impaired cognitive function.
- Physiological dependence.

The risks of adverse effects from Flexeril abuse are greatly increased when the drug is combined with alcohol, since the mixture intensifies the effects of both substances. While this may make for a stronger high, it also creates more dangerous side effects, including:

- Increased drowsiness and dizziness.
- Poor motor skills and cognitive function.
- Slowed, labored breathing.
- Memory loss.
- Abnormal behavior.
- Seizures.
- Increased risk of alcohol poisoning or Flexeril overdose.

Flexeril use can become problematic for some people, and there is some evidence that cyclobenzaprine dependence can develop. However, withdrawal symptoms are not as common during Flexeril detox as they are during detox from other drugs of abuse such as opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. That said, some withdrawal symptoms may occur. They are typically more common and intense when Flexeril is used in combination with alcohol or other drugs. A person who abruptly stops using Flexeril may experience symptoms such as:

- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- General malaise.
- Drug cravings.

Behavior Changes Due to Flexeril Abuse

When a person struggles with an addiction, to Flexeril or other substances, they may display changes in behavior.

Some of these include:

- Lying about ingesting Flexeril or how often they take it
- Becoming defensive or aggressive when Flexeril use is questioned
- Feeling like they must take the drug every day or several times per day
- Experiencing intense cravings for the drug between doses
- Spending too much money on the drug
- Making sure they have a supply of Flexeril available
- Obsessing about where to get more of the drug
- Compulsively taking the drug, even if they do not want to anymore
- Changes in health and/or hygiene
- Doctor shopping to get multiple prescriptions
- Failing to meet personal obligations at work, school, social events, or family functions
- Choosing to take drugs instead of participating in other activities
- Stealing money or drugs
- Emotionally hurting others or ending relationships because of drug use
- Struggling financially due to purchasing Flexeril illicitly

These changes in behavior, along with physical signs of intoxication or withdrawal, indicate that the person needs help overcoming an addiction to Flexeril.

Side Effects From Flexeril

Although Flexeril is allegedly not addictive, similar to how many antidepressants are not considered addictive, the drug is designed to induce relaxation in the body. People who abuse Flexeril do so to achieve a sense of calm and relaxing sleepiness.

Additionally, at high doses, the drug can disrupt some neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mental and physical impairment that is like being intoxicated.

Allegedly, intoxication from Flexeril causes a sensation of floating outside of one’s body and feeling extremely relaxed. Very high doses of the drug can induce hallucinations.

People who purchase illicit Flexeril refer to the drug as cyclone or mellow yellow because the pills are yellow in color.

The DAWN Report, which tracks emergency room treatment related to substance abuse, noted an 87 percent increase in the number of people admitted to the ER for Flexeril abuse – from 6,183 in 2004 to 11,151 in 2011. The DEA notes that an increase in anecdotal reports online suggest that people abusing Flexeril mix the drug with other substances to enhance psychoactive effects from the other drugs. Polydrug abuse is very dangerous and increases the risk of overdose.

Side Effects from Flexeril

If a person is abusing Flexeril, they are more likely to experience side effects from the drug since they are consuming large quantities in order to get high.

Side effects from Flexeril include:

- - Drowsiness
  - Fatigue
  - Muscle weakness
  - Constipation
  - Nausea or vomiting
  - Diarrhea
  - Headache
  - Dry mouth
  - Dizziness

People who take too much Flexeril, or abuse the drug for nonmedical reasons, are at a greater risk of overdosing on the substance. Signs of overdose include seizures, depressed breathing, unusual or reduced motor function, and amnesia.

When Flexeril is mixed with other CNS depressants, especially alcohol, the medication’s dangerous side effects are more likely to occur.

High doses of Flexeril can lead to irregular heartbeat and depressed breathing, which can be very dangerous. These conditions can cause lasting physical damage, especially if the person does not receive emergency medical attention quickly enough.

A person who has taken a large amount of Flexeril will appear drowsy, physically floppy, or relaxed. Their pupils may be dilated, breathing could be slow or shallow, and the skin may be cold or pale. If the person is awake, they may appear confused or drunk, with trouble balancing and slurred speech.

Who Abuses Flexeril and Why?

NIDA reports that young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 (according to 2014 data) abuse prescription drugs at the highest rates of any other age demographic. Young adults may use the Internet to access information on how to abuse Flexeril and the possible desirable effects that may come from the drug’s recreational use. Flexeril may be used to heighten the effects of alcohol or other drugs when used recreationally.

Prescription drugs are abused across almost all age, gender, race, cultural, and socioeconomic demographics, however. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that prescription drug abuse is increasing for older adults in their 50s, which may be of particular concern due to the range of negative side effects that specifically impact this population group. Flexeril in particular is not even generally prescribed to the elderly population, according to the FDA, because of the high risk factors.

Additionally, individuals with a legitimate prescription to Flexeril may develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring them to take higher and more frequent doses to feel its effects. Drug dependence can develop wherein the brain becomes accustomed to the interaction of cyclobenzaprine and begins to rely on it in order to keep functioning the same way.

Dependence on cyclobenzaprine is recognized by the onset of withdrawal symptoms when the drug leaves the bloodstream. These may include fatigue, nausea, headache, and general malaise.

What is the Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking Flexeril ?

1. Advantages

Relieves muscle spasms associated with acute, painful, musculoskeletal conditions.
Improves pain, tenderness, and range of motion associated with muscle spasms and increases a person’s ability to perform their day-to-day activities.
Cyclobenzaprine is the most studied skeletal muscle relaxant.
Relieves skeletal muscle spasm without interfering with muscle function.
The sedative effects of cyclobenzaprine may help those experiencing insomnia as a result of muscle spasms.
Long-lasting effects.
Cyclobenzaprine has not been associated with addiction; however, abrupt discontinuation may produce symptoms such as nausea, headache, and a general feeling of discomfort. The dosage of cyclobenzaprine is best tapered off slowly on discontinuation.
Generic cyclobenzaprine is available.

2. Disadvantages

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

Sedation. This is a major side effect and it may impair reaction skills and affect a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol
Other common side effects include dry mouth, fatigue, difficulty with urination, an increase in eye pressure, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, or nausea
Should only be used short-term (for periods of up to two to three weeks only)
Not effective for muscle spasms occurring as a result of cerebral or spinal cord disease, or in children with cerebral palsy
Cyclobenzaprine should never be given within 14 days of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants, as the combination may be fatal
Interaction with other drugs that also increase serotonin (such as antidepressants, tramadol, St John’s Wort, bupropion) may cause serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include mental status changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, coma, delirium), fast heart rate, dizziness, flushing, muscle tremor or rigidity, and stomach symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea)
Cyclobenzaprine may enhance the effects or side effects of tricyclic antidepressants (for example, amitriptyline and imipramine), alcohol, and other CNS depressants
May not be suitable for people with arrhythmias, heart block or conduction disturbances, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, or immediately following a heart attack
The dosage of cyclobenzaprine should be reduced in people with mild liver disease. It should not be taken by people with moderate-to-severe liver disease
Cyclobenzaprine may not be suitable for people with glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure, a history of urinary retention, or taking other drugs that also have anticholinergic side effects (anticholinergic side effects include constipation, blurred vision, and increase in eye pressure).
Ineffective for muscle spasms due to brain injury or disease.
Elderly people may be more sensitive to the effects of cyclobenzaprine, and the dosage should be kept low if the benefits of using it in seniors outweigh the risks.

What you should know before you take Flexeril ?

What is Flexeril?

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

Flexeril is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, injury, or spasms.

Flexeril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Flexeril if you have a thyroid disorder, heart block, congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, or you have recently had a heart attack.

Do not use cyclobenzaprine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Flexeril if you are allergic to cyclobenzaprine, or if you have:

- - a thyroid disorder;
  - heart block, heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure;
  - or if you have recently had a heart attack.

Flexeril is not approved for use by anyone younger than 15 years old.

Do not use Flexeril if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Some medicines can interact with cyclobenzaprine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.

To make sure Flexeril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- - liver disease;
  - glaucoma;
  - enlarged prostate; or
  - problems with urination.

It is not known whether cyclobenzaprine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Flexeril Dosage

Generic name: cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride

Dosage form: Tablets

For most patients, the recommended dose of FLEXERIL is 5 mg three times a day. Based on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to 10 mg three times a day. Use of FLEXERIL for periods longer than two or three weeks is not recommended.

Less frequent dosing should be considered for hepatically impaired or elderly patients