Prescription drugs play a critical role in managing health, but when misused, they can become addictive and cause serious harm. While the addictive potential of narcotics is widely recognized, fewer people realize that muscle relaxers can also lead to dependency. Designed for short-term use—typically just two weeks—muscle relaxers are becoming some of the most frequently misused prescription drugs today.
Commonly Misused Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers come in various forms, targeting specific types of muscle and skeletal pain. They are generally categorized as either antispastics or antispasmodics.
- Antispastics address spasticity, a condition where muscles contract involuntarily, often due to nerve pathway damage.
- Antispasmodics are prescribed for musculoskeletal pain and spasms, particularly in the lower back.
Here’s a list of commonly prescribed muscle relaxers:
- Carisoprodol (Soma®, Vanadom®)
- Chlorzoxazone (Lorzone®, Parafon Forte DSC®, Relax-DS®, Remular S®)
- Cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid®, Flexeril®)
- Metaxalone (Metaxall®, Skelaxin®)
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin®)
- Orphenadrine (Norflex®)
- Baclofen (Lioresal®)
- Dantrolene (Dantrium®)
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
One of the most widely misused muscle relaxers is Carisoprodol (Soma). Studies reveal it has become a popular target for drug diversion, with individuals seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors or forging scripts. This alarming trend underscores the growing concern over muscle relaxer abuse and addiction.
Potential Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers
Each muscle relaxer comes with unique side effects, so it’s crucial to understand what you might experience while using them. Many of these medications can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, so caution is essential.
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
When misused, muscle relaxers can cause heightened sedation, delirium, or altered mental states. Chronic misuse may lead to dependency and an increased tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect. The more you take, the more severe the side effects, making withdrawal and detoxification even more challenging.
The Risks of Muscle Relaxer Abuse
Overdosing on muscle relaxers is a real danger, particularly when combined with alcohol. Both are central nervous system depressants, and using them together amplifies their effects, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences.
Symptoms of mixing muscle relaxers with alcohol include:
- Extreme drowsiness and dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Memory problems
- Liver damage
An overdose of muscle relaxers, especially when alcohol is involved, can result in:
- Loss of consciousness
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Breathing difficulties
- Heart failure
- Coma
If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately. If it’s not an emergency but you’re concerned about a loved one’s misuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline at 1-800-662-4357 for guidance.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
It’s never too late to seek help for muscle relaxer dependency. Whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about a loved one, support is available. The Rise Above Treatment team is ready 24/7 to help you start your journey toward recovery.
Our services include medically supervised detox and a smooth transition into one of our high-quality sober living facilities. Here, you’ll develop relapse prevention skills, rebuild your confidence, and create a supportive sober community.
If you’re ready to break free from the grip of muscle relaxer addiction, give us a call today. Let us craft a personalized treatment plan to help you reclaim your life.
About Rise Above Treatment
Rise Above Treatment is a Murrieta, California based addiction treatment center that is committed to helping people recover from drug, alcohol, and other mental health concerns that are holding them back. We offer a range of services, including medical detox, residential rehab, addiction PHP, sober living options, and intensive outpatient programs. If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, visit us at riseabovetreatment.com or give us a call at (855) 948-6325 and begin your journey to recovery.
