If you’re taking the medication Flexeril, and drinking alcohol, you ought to be aware of the way these two substances interact. People that suffer from muscle spasms or musculoskeletal pains may be prescribed Flexeril to alleviate the symptoms. This medication acts on the central nervous system (CNS) through the brain to provide relaxation to the muscles.
Both Flexeril and alcohol are CNS depressants. That is, they work to change the transmission levels of neurotransmitters within the brain and the CNS.
The usual length of prescription for Flexeril is two to three weeks. Therefore, it is seen as a short-term solution. When you are taking the medication, you may experience side effects such as:
- Headaches
- Dry mouth or throat
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Hallucinations
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- In rare cases, there can be an allergic reaction such as rashes
Like any other type of medication or drug, there is the possibility of Flexeril being abused. Drinking alcohol along with Flexeril is one method in which this abuse may occur.
Mixing Alcohol With Flexeril
While on a prescribed course of Flexeril, some people may want to drink alcohol. It could be that it is simply a means to relieve the dry mouth/throat side effect may have one. On the other hand, the individual may knowingly drink to enhance the effects of Flexeril.
As we mentioned, Flexeril and alcohol influence the CNS. They offer a sedative effect or drowsiness which can be enhanced when both substances are taken together. The extra feelings of sedation or drowsiness could result in the individual or another person being seriously hurt due to a lack of concentration or poor attention. In addition, mental processing is slowed down to a higher degree, which can lead to mistakes in judgment which may cause people to engage in risky behaviors.
Those that are seeking a sense of euphoria may be tempted to mix Flexeril and alcohol to maximize the experience. In general, it’s recommended that you never mix muscle relaxers and alcohol.
Dependency Issues
Flexeril is only seen as a temporary aid in alleviating muscle spasms and musculoskeletal aches. The risk is that a patient can quickly develop a dependency on the drug.
This increases the risk of overdosing. Some of the symptoms of an overdose are similar to the standard side effects of Flexeril, such as drowsiness and hallucinations.
Yet, there are other effects to be wary of if you have taken too much of the drug. These are:
- Feeling nauseous
- Vomiting
- Being agitated
- High blood pressure
- Becoming confused
- Tremors
Dependency on alcohol may be caused by using it to seek relief from stress or as a means to cope with emotional issues. If there is a family history of alcohol abuse, then there is a greater chance of developing a reliance on alcohol.
Long-term abuse of alcohol can also lead to musculoskeletal issues and spasms. Your doctor may prescribe Flexeril as a means to deal with the problems. As you can see, it can become a vicious cycle. Thus, it’s best to not mix alcohol and Flexeril.
How Long After Taking Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Can I Drink Alcohol?
Many people ask the question, “How long after taking cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) can I drink alcohol? To answer this, let’s look at several factors that determine the period in which Flexeril completely leaves your body once you take it:
- Your liver function (which can be affected by long-term drinking)
- Your genetic makeup
- Age
The half-life of Flexeril (that is, how long it takes for half of it to be eliminated from your system) is anywhere between 8 to 37 hours.
It’s recommended that you wait at least 24 hours from the time you have had the drug before you consume any amount of alcohol. Best case scenario is that you refrain from drinking alcohol entirely while you’re taking Flexeril.
Conclusion
Flexeril is typically offered to people who are experiencing muscle spasms or suffer from musculoskeletal pain. The drug acts as a sedative to alleviate the symptoms, which can cause mild to moderate drowsiness.
Some people may seek to enhance the effect of Flexeril by combining it with alcohol. Doing so can increase impaired judgment and decision making, which may lead to risky or dangerous behavior.
Again, if you’re taking Flexeril, refrain from drinking alcohol entirely or wait at least 24 hours before consuming any alcohol.
