It is usual practice to administer muscle relaxers, or muscle relaxants, to patients suffering from muscular spasticity or spasms. These drugs are commonly used for the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders, including muscular injury and back pain, MS, and cerebral palsy. There is continuous discussion over the possibility of addiction and dependence on muscle relaxers, despite the fact that they are quite successful in alleviating pain and enhancing mobility.
Are muscle relaxers addictive? That is the topic this blog seeks to answer.
What Are Muscle Relaxants?
The term “muscle relaxers” refers to a wide class of drugs that alleviate muscular tension in a variety of ways. The two primary categories into which these drugs fall are antispasmodic and antispasticity.
- Antispasmodic Agents: Drugs like carisoprodol (Soma), methocarbamol (Robaxin), and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) fall into this category. Usually, they’re given to those who have severe muscular spasms as a result of injuries or other musculoskeletal issues.
- Antispasticity Agents: These include drugs that are more frequently used for long-term illnesses involving muscular spasticity, such as tizanidine and baclofen.
How Do Muscle Relaxers Work?
Muscle relaxants work by reducing activity in the central nervous system, which in turn reduces pain. This indicates that they have a calming impact on the activity of the CNS as it relates to specific functions. They do this by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
The onset of muscle relaxant effects is quick (less than an hour), and their duration is four to six hours. On the other hand, the addictive nature of muscle relaxers means that they might create unwanted side effects that disrupt daily life. That is why it is recommended to take them at night.
Muscle relaxers can have the following adverse effects:
- lethargy, headaches, and vertigo
- restlessness, anxiety, and impatience
- reduce hypertension
Are Muscle Relaxants Addictive?
Yes, some muscle relaxants are really addictive. Addiction is defined as the development of physiological and psychological dependence on any form of abuse involving muscle relaxants. So, addiction is a real risk with long-term or abusive use of muscle relaxants.
The fact is that the rapid onset of euphoria from the effect of muscle relaxants on the brain makes it attractive to some. However, many people find that muscle relaxers like Soma, which are sometimes prescribed with codeine, are physically addictive. While you may enjoy the drug’s effects at first, you’ll eventually have to cut back or face the terrible withdrawal symptoms. You will be so sick that you’ll consider jumping from a skyscraper if you feel that poorly.
Moreover, a couple of controlled-muscle relaxants are carisoprodol (soma) and diazepam. This means that they can be addictive and that stopping their use suddenly can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. If you or a loved one has a history of drug abuse, you should not use these medications.
Never exceed the dosage your doctor has suggested for carisoprodol or diazepam unless you are sure it is helping you control your symptoms. Likewise, muscle relaxers during pregnancy are dangerous to take. You should consult your doctor before you want to use muscle relaxants. Thus, addiction is the main reason that most muscle relaxants are not suggested for long-term use, especially Soma.
What are the Dangers of Muscle Relaxer Abuse?
A potentially fatal overdose is one of the primary dangers associated with the misuse of muscle relaxers. Overconsumption or combination with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol and opioids, is common among those who abuse them. This may result in lethal overdoses that cause respiratory depression symptoms.
Additional risks linked to the misuse of muscle relaxants include:
- Sedation and extreme lethargy
- Feeling worn out
- Degeneration of muscle fibers
- Mental health issues
- The reduction of blood pressure
- A rapid heartbeat
- Partial brain freezes
- Confusion, disorientation, and psychosis
- Hepatic enlargement
- Deficiency in white blood cells and an upsurge in infections
- Death, coma, and paralysis
It is critical to get therapy when necessary because long-term use of muscle relaxants can lead to a range of hazards. Addiction treatment programs can assist in identifying and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to substance misuse.
Bottom Line
Muscle relaxants are an important part of the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. It is important to use drugs like carisoprodol (Soma) with caution and knowledge because of the risk of addiction and dependence. It is important to proceed with caution when looking for convenience solutions, such as soma muscle relaxant buy online or other muscle relaxers online.
You should only buy prescription medications online from trustworthy pharmacies that demand a verified prescription from your doctor. By doing so, you may be certain that the medications you are receiving are authentic and free of any harmful or counterfeit substances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Addicted to Muscle Relaxers?
Addiction to muscle relaxers is possible, but the likelihood of getting addicted differs from one drug to another. It is more likely that someone will become addicted to carisoprodol (Soma) because it is broken down into meprobamate, a drug that has euphoric and dependenceal potential. There is less danger of dependence with other muscle relaxers such as baclofen and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), but they can still cause addiction if taken for longer than recommended or at larger dosages. Addiction signs include obsessive use, withdrawal symptoms, and tolerance—the need for larger dosages to have the same effect.
How Do Muscle Relaxers Make You Feel the Next Day?
Due to the residual sedation that muscle relaxants cause, you might experience unexpected sleepiness or exhaustion the next day. You may even feel lightheaded or dizzy for a while, even after the effects wear off. One side effect of some muscle relaxers is dry mouth, which some people report staying with for days. Also, you may feel mentally foggy or suffer from reduced cognitive function, which can impact your focus and alertness levels.
Do Muscle Relaxers Make You Feel Loopy?
Yes, it is possible to feel “loopy,” or confused and dizzy, after taking a muscle relaxant. Medication having higher sedative characteristics, such as carisoprodol (Soma), amplifies this sensation. Some people experience drowsiness and dizziness while using cyclobenzaprine with baclofen, which might make them feel loopy. These side effects are usually worse right after you take the drug, but they may go away when your body becomes used to it or the drug is metabolized.
Is It OK to Take Muscle Relaxers Every Day?
No, it’s not okay to take muscle relaxants daily. The risks of tolerance, dependence, and side effects make the daily use of muscle relaxants unsuitable for the majority of individuals. If you’re experiencing acute muscle spasms or discomfort, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant for a short period of time, usually a few weeks. Using it on a regular basis raises the risk of physical dependence, withdrawal, cognitive impairment, and tolerance toward these drugs.
