When combined with alcohol, Flexeril can potentiate drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. To avoid any negative effects, it’s best to wait until the drug has fully cleared your system before drinking alcohol. No, it is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine). Both substances are central nervous system depressants and can cause slowed brain activity, decreased heart and breathing rates, and increased feelings of calm or sleepiness.

How Long After Taking Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Can I Drink Alcohol?

  • The side effects of a Flexeril overdose include cardiac arrest, dangerously low blood pressure, seizures, central nervous system depression, heart attack, and even death.
  • Skeletal muscle relaxants (see Table 1) work primarily in the spinal cord and brain, also called the central nervous system, to block pain sensations between the nerves and the brain.
  • However, the effects of taking Flexeril will last a relatively long time.
  • Studies show that mixing alcohol and medications that are processed by the liver leads to a less-than-favorable metabolic fallout.

Flexeril, or cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms and musculoskeletal pain. It is a central nervous system depressant that acts on the brain to achieve its effects. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant, and consuming it with Flexeril can lead to a range of adverse effects. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can exacerbate the effects of muscle relaxants like Flexeril. Mixing alcohol with Flexeril can lead to increased drowsiness and impaired muscle coordination, but it is unlikely to worsen muscle spasms or pain.

However, if you must drink alcohol, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after your last dose of Flexeril to reduce the risk of harmful interactions. Mixing Flexeril with alcohol can intensify side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. It can also increase the risk of experiencing serious side effects such as respiratory depression, coma, and death. The risks of drinking alcohol while on Flexeril include heightened sedative effects, increased dizziness, impaired coordination, and an elevated risk of accidents or injuries. This last set of effects is the main reason mixing the two is not recommended, since it increases the chances of having a dangerous fall or another accident. Besides, the sedation could land us in dangerous waters if our heart and breathing rate slows down too much, causing respiratory depression.

Signs of Cyclobenzaprine Abuse

Many people will experience a better range of motion, less pain, and better sleep while taking muscle relaxants. Flexeril is traditionally taken as an oral medication in the quantities of either 15 milligrams or 30 milligrams per day. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it can intensify the effects of muscle relaxants like Flexeril. Combining alcohol with Flexeril can lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This combination can also increase the risk of experiencing serious side effects such as respiratory depression, coma, and even death. One of the main side effects of combining Flexeril and alcohol is the increased risk of slowed mental processing and decreased motor coordination.

Do You Have Multiple Addictions?

Studies show that mixing alcohol and medications that are processed by the liver leads to a less-than-favorable metabolic fallout. Higher fat deposits and overall stress that can eventually result in liver disease and other complications. One of the main reasons it’s best to avoid the combo has to do with some gnarly side effects we can end up with as a result. According to NIH, cyclobenzaprine comes with some fairly typical ones, as well as potentially dangerous ones. 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.

  • However, when the two substances are used together, the likelihood of developing a dependence increases.
  • Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can exacerbate the effects of muscle relaxants like Flexeril.
  • If you begin to experience shallowed breathing, an irregular heart rate, dizziness, or partial unconsciousness, you may be experiencing an overdose.
  • Even a small amount of alcohol can intensify the effects of Flexeril and increase the risk of harmful interactions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. The full list of options for muscle ailments is much longer, but these are the highlights. There are many individual factors that come into play when choosing the right option, and our physician can give us the best idea of which course of treatment is right for us.

Benadryl is a potent first-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, a protective filter that helps keep harmful substances from reaching the brain. It works on the CNS by slowing it down to block the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system that causes allergy symptoms. However, this depression of the CNS may result in drowsiness, sedation, and lack of mental alertness. Taking Benadryl and drinking alcohol, especially in larger amounts, at the same time can have severe outcomes that can be life-threatening. As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, alcohol can worsen the side effects of Benadryl. Importantly, alcohol is a powerful nervous system depressant, which means that it slows down activity in the brain and central nervous system.

Drinking on muscle relaxers in general can have dangerous effects, such as excessive drowsiness. 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. The half-life of a substance is the amount of time it takes for your body to metabolize half of the medication and remove it from your body. Cyclobenzaprine can become habit-forming if not taken as directed, but when it is combined with alcohol, addiction is more likely. Addiction, a chronic, relapsing brain disease, is referred to as substance addiction.

Long-term use of either or both may increase your risk of developing an addiction. Skeletal muscle relaxants (see Table 1) work primarily in the spinal cord and brain, also called the central nervous system, to block pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. They relieve painful muscle spasms and spasticity due to conditions like acute back pain or multiple sclerosis. Another reason why cyclobenzaprine and alcohol are a dangerous combination?

Can I have a glass of wine or beer with dinner if I am taking Flexeril?

If you cannot go a day without using alcohol or Flexeril, you likely have an addiction. People who become severely agitated when they no longer have access to either substance are likely addicts. And, if you have isolated yourself from friends and family and no longer participate in activities you once enjoyed, you likely have a problem. It is possible to overdose on alcohol and Flexeril, either together or separately, and taking them together greatly increases the chances that you will.

When used in conjunction with alcohol, the potential for addiction increases. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows brain functioning and impedes motor coordination. Mixing Flexeril with alcohol can result in a sensation similar to opioids. As both substances are central nervous system depressants, mixing them can exacerbate these symptoms and lead to a higher incidence of accidents. Flexeril, also known as cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant medication commonly prescribed to relieve muscle spasms and pain.

It is recommended to wait until you have finished your course of Flexeril and are no longer taking the medication before consuming alcohol to reduce the risk of interactions and side effects. It is possible to overdose on cyclobenzaprine, and this substance can be deadly when combined with alcohol. If you suspect someone has taken an excess of cyclobenzaprine, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Drowsiness and a rapid heartbeat are among the most common symptoms of an overdose. Whether in a large or small quantity, consuming an alcoholic drink while taking an antihistamine should be avoided whenever possible. The side effects can can you drink alcohol with flexeril even be life-threatening, especially in older adults, as it can increase the risk of falls.

However, it’s especially important to avoid combining alcohol with potent muscle relaxants like baclofen, carisoprodol, and cyclobenzaprine. In summary, while Flexeril is generally considered non-addictive, there is evidence that addiction is possible, especially when combined with alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to Flexeril, alcohol, or both, it is important to seek professional help. 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.

Flexeril disease interactions

Using baclofen to manage symptoms, especially without doctor supervision, can have dangerous consequences. But there is one muscle relaxer called baclofen that some experts believe might help with alcohol withdrawal. Carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine are frequently misused for non-medical reasons. Mixing Flexeril with alcohol can have long-term consequences such as liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and cognitive impairment. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and avoid combining these substances to safeguard your health and well-being. Even a small amount of alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of Flexeril, increasing the risk of drowsiness and dizziness.