Muscle relaxants are a group of drugs known to relieve muscle pain or spasms. They are generally recommended to aid functionality related to conditions such as headaches and back pain. Cyclobenzaprine, most commonly sold under the brand name Flexeril, is also related to a class of drugs called muscle relaxants.
If you are taking medication, it is strictly recommended to avoid alcohol consumption. Few people unexpectedly mix cyclobenzaprine with alcohol while taking prescription drugs. On the contrary, 40% of people deliberately mix to intensify the effect of both. Mixing cyclobenzaprine with alcohol is risky and often leads to a dangerous and deadly situation.
The effects of alcohol
Since we have covered the effects of muscle relaxants, it is also important to understand the effects of alcohol. When someone drinks, the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and quickly travels to the brain. Here, alcohol interferes with the neurotransmitters that send messages between cells. This disturbance leads to feelings of relaxation and sedation.
As alcohol enters the bloodstream, it begins to have other effects on the body. Muscle coordination is affected, so people cannot drive or operate machinery under the influence of alcohol. It can also lead to slurred speech, vomiting, and decreased inhibitions.
Why do people mix muscle relaxants and alcohol
People mix muscle relaxants and alcohol for different reasons. Some people may be prescribed muscle relaxants and not be aware that a drug interaction is possible. Others may deliberately get involved in mixing muscle relaxants and alcohol to achieve the desired effect. Here are some reasons why people end up mixing alcohol and muscle relaxants:
After receiving a prescription for muscle relaxants, the side effects can be difficult to deal with. They may drink alcohol thinking it will relieve nausea or headaches. In short, people may take muscle relaxants with alcohol because they believe that the two substances will counteract the effects of the other. However, this is not the case, and mixing muscle relaxants with alcohol does not neutralize the effects of either drug.
Negative effects on the nervous system
The combination of alcohol and muscle relaxants increases the harmful effects on the nervous system. With increasing addiction, misuse or abuse, the side effects of mixing alcohol and muscle relaxants occur more frequently and the negative impact on the nervous system becomes more permanent.
The mixture of muscle relaxants and alcohol often causes dry mouth and constipation. Increased addiction to the mixture of alcohol and muscle relaxants can even cause liver damage, kidney damage, and edema (swelling).
Side effects
Side effects of muscle relaxants vary somewhat from drug to drug and from person to person, but generally include the following:
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Motor disorders
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