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Prescription Flexeril
No matter how hard they try to avoid them, many people suffer from muscular injuries, whether muscle sprain, strain, chronic back pain, etc. For many, it’s an inevitable part of life.
In these situations, muscle relaxers are prescribed to help individuals go about their everyday routines while also gently exercising the affected area to treat the source of the pain.
What is Flexeril Used For?
Flexeril, commonly known by its generic name cyclobenzaprine, is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasm symptoms. Flexeril is a short-term muscle relaxant that belongs to the class of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants. One good thing is that it can be taken alone or in combination with other drugs.1
Flexeril can be used for three weeks in the event of a musculoskeletal injury, but the question most commonly asked is, how long does Flexeril stay in your system? 2
Continue reading this article to learn more about how long Flexeril stays in your system, the factors that affect the duration of Flexeril in your system, the side effects, and more.
Understanding Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
To effectively administer treatment options, it’s important to understand Flexeril, its purpose, and relevant potential side effects.
What is Flexeril?
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is a muscle relaxant prescribed by doctors to treat severe musculoskeletal conditions such as acute pain, muscle spasms, cramps, strain, or injury. Although Flexeril is classed as a skeletal muscle relaxant, it acts on the central nervous system similarly to antidepressants, notably tricyclic antidepressants, and can be used with other drugs. Flexeril is sometimes administered off-label to alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms.2
According to the FDA, cyclobenzaprine should only be prescribed for two to three weeks.
Other brands of Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) include Amrix, FusePaq Tabradol, and Fexmid. Flexeril comes in two different forms: tablet and capsule.3
How Does Flexeril Work?
Cyclobenzaprine’s main effect is muscle relaxation. This is done by preventing spasms and pain. By affecting the body’s alpha and gamma motor systems, the drug works by lowering muscle hyperactivity, which causes spasms.
Flexeril causes the muscles to relax by directing the brain and the spinal cord. It has no direct effect on the muscles themselves. Once digested, it usually starts working in approximately an hour, and for four to six hours, it will actively work on your muscles.
How Does Flexeril Work?
Cyclobenzaprine’s main effect is muscle relaxation. This is done by preventing spasms and pain. By affecting the body’s alpha and gamma motor systems, the drug works by lowering muscle hyperactivity, which causes spasms.
Flexeril causes the muscles to relax by directing the brain and the spinal cord. It has no direct effect on the muscles themselves. Once digested, it usually starts working in approximately an hour, and for four to six hours, it will actively work on your muscles.
Is Flexeril a Narcotic?
Flexeril is neither narcotic nor an opioid. It’s only used to relax muscles and relieve pain.
Flexeril Uses
In conjunction with physical therapy and rest, the muscle relaxer Flexeril treats skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, strains, injuries, sprains, or spasms.
Is Flexeril a Controlled Substance?
Unlike a few other muscle relaxers, it’s currently not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act.
How Long Does Flexeril Stay in Your System?
Another important factor to consider with Flexeril is the length of time it remains in your system after consumption. While it’s in your system, it can severely impact your life.
Flexeril Half-life
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) has an average half-life of 18 hours and a range of 8-37 hours.
As a result, if the half-life of Flexeril is eight hours, it will take just under two days for the body to eliminate the drug. In contrast, if the half-life of Flexeril is 37 hours, therefore it would take about 8 ½ days to eliminate it completely.
How Long Does Flexeril Stay in Your Urine?
Due to Flexeril’s half-life, it can stay detectable for up to three to eight days for people who took higher doses. In contrast, if a person of average weight takes the regular recommended dosage, the drug will be undetectable in their urine four days after the previous dose.
How Long Does Flexeril Stay in Your Blood?
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) gets to its highest levels in the blood seven to eight hours after ingestion. The duration of Flexeril in the blood will be based on its half-life. Therefore, residues should be detectable three to four days after the previous dose or up to 10 days, depending on drug usage habits.
How Long Does Flexeril Stay in Your Hair?
Flexeril hair testing use is uncommon. To get an accurate test, 1.5 inches of hair must be measured from the root. While most individuals will be free of it in three to four days, traces may appear in the hair three months (90 days) after the last consumption.
How Long Does Flexeril Stay in Your Saliva?
Tests for oral fluids are generally more expensive than other biological samples. A saliva test for Flexeril, like hair testing, is extremely rare. There isn’t much information on how long it stays detectable in saliva; however, it’s claimed that it only lasts up to 36 hours after ingestion.
Other Factors that Contribute to Flexeril’s Half-Life
Factors that affect how long does Flexeril stay in your system include:
- Genetics
- Metabolic rates
- Frequency of use
- Duration of use
- Dosage
- General health
- Age
- Weight
- Presence of other substances
Side Effects of Flexeril
Although Flexeril is typically prescribed by a medical professional, there are still complications and side effects. It’s important to be wary of these when taking this substance.
Is Flexeril Addictive?
Flexeril is a pain reliever that is widely taken to relieve muscle spasms and improve motor abilities, sleep, and energy levels. As a result, the activity of Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), which depresses the Central Nervous System and causes these sensations, could be a reason for Flexeril misuse and addiction.
However, once a person gets addicted, quitting without the assistance of a treatment program that promotes detox and alleviates Flexeril withdrawal symptoms may be challenging.
Flexeril Overdose
A Flexeril overdose can occur if too much of the drug is consumed. The standard cyclobenzaprine dosage depends on the medication’s type and whether the patient is an adult or a child.
Signs of Overdose
Some signs of a Flexeril overdose include:
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heartbeat
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
Side Effects
Cyclobenzaprine can negatively impact you in numerous ways. Common side effects of Flexeril include:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Upset stomach
Flexeril Warnings and Dangers
As with other medications, consult your doctor if you experience any of the above side effects of Flexeril. Learn about related warnings and risky circumstances to mitigate potential consequences below. By recognizing the warnings and danger signs accompanying Flexeril use, you can maintain your overall safety, health, and wellness.4
Flexeril and Alcohol
The intake of alcoholic drinks can raise the risk of cyclobenzaprine-induced dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired alertness. Consult your doctor if you consume alcohol while on Flexeril.5
Flexeril and Pregnancy
Cyclobenzaprine is a pregnancy medication classified as category B. There aren’t enough human studies to determine whether the medicine is harmful to the fetus. As a result, this medication should only be used during pregnancy if necessary. The risks are not fully understood, so it’s best to avoid this combination.6
Flexeril and Breastfeeding
Cyclobenzaprine may pass into the mother’s breast milk and induce adverse effects in a breastfed kid. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding in conjunction with Flexeril use.
Treatment for Flexeril and Other Prescription Drugs Addiction
Although Flexeril isn’t considered addictive, it can cause major problems if misused or abused. Ready to quit using Flexeril and other prescription drugs? Stillwater Behavioral Health can assist you. We have everything you need to come off safely, from talk therapy to medication-assisted treatment. We’ll consider your unique circumstance when administering specialized treatment aligned with your individual needs and expectations.
Our Montecito treatment and therapy options include many alternative and modern therapeutic options. Our overall goal is, and always will be, your overall health and wellness; this includes a commitment to your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. We take pride in our ability to help you regain control over your life.
Are you or a loved one ready to commit to recovery? Get help quitting Flexeril at Stillwater Behavioral Health. We look forward to guiding you along in your healing journey.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021777s006s009lbl.pdf
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682514.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279656/
- https://oacapps.med.jhmi.edu/OBGYN-101/Pharmacy/Cyclobenzaprine%20Hydrochloride.htm
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9061105/
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/cyclobenzaprine.pdf