Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive? Facts You Should Know

Muscle relaxers can provide relief for those experiencing painful muscle spasms. However, despite their effectiveness, these medications should only be used in the short term. Using them for more than three weeks can raise the risk of dependency and addiction.[1]

What Are Muscle Relaxers?

Muscle relaxers are prescription drugs to treat muscle pain, spasticity, and spasms.[2] Some muscle relaxers interact with neurotransmitters in the central nervous system to reduce nerve excitability and encourage relaxation. Others target the spinal cord, interrupting nerve signals that lead to spasms or involuntary muscle movements.

They are available in oral, liquid, and injectable forms. Injectable muscle relaxants are often used in medical settings—such as hospitals or doctor’s offices—where they can provide quick and effective pain relief.

Classes of Muscle Relaxers

Muscle relaxers are divided into two classes: antispastics and antispasmodic.[3] Both classes treat muscle pain, but they are not used interchangeably. Each works differently and has a different indication.

Antispastics

Antispastics are a class of muscle relaxers that work directly on the spinal cord to treat skeletal muscle spasms.

Commonly prescribed antispastics include:

• Baclofen (Lioresal)
• Dantrolene (Dantrium)
• Tizanidine (Zanaflex) (also an antispasmodic)
• Diazepam (Valium)(also an antispasmodic)

Antispasmodics

Antispasmodic muscle relaxers slow down the transmission of neurons in the central nervous system, disrupting the signals that cause muscle spasms and cramping. They are divided into two types: benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines.[4]

Benzodiazepines interrupt communication between specific chemicals in the brain. Nonbenzodiazepines interact with the brain and spinal cord, which comprises the entire central nervous system.

Commonly prescribed antispasmodics include:

• Carisoprodol (nonbenzodiazepine)
• Cyclobenzaprine (nonbenzodiazepine)
• Metaxalone (nonbenzodiazepine)
• Orphenadrine (nonbenzodiazepine)
• Chlorzoxazone (nonbenzodiazepine)
• Tizanidine (nonbenzodiazepine)
• Diazepam (benzodiazepine)

You can also purchase the over-the-counter antispasmodic medication methocarbamol, known by its brand name, Robaxin.[5]

Conditions Muscle Relaxers Treat 

Muscle relaxers treat conditions that present muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain.

These conditions include but are not limited to the following:[3]

• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Tension headache
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Severe back pain
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peripheral musculoskeletal conditions
• Lou Gehrig’s disease

Muscle Relaxer Side-Effects 

People who take muscle relaxers may experience one or more of the following side effects:[3]

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Headache

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Muscle relaxers differ in their duties and contain different active ingredients, so it is possible to experience side effects not listed here. 

Muscle Relaxer Risks 

Muscle relaxers are depressants and cannot be taken with other depressants, such as alcohol.[6] Using the two together can have a devastating effect on the central nervous system, intensifying side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. It can also lead to more serious complications, like fainting, memory loss, and liver damage.[7]

Additionally, there’s a potential for misuse and abuse when taking federally scheduled muscle relaxers like carisoprodol and diazepam.[8] Using too much of either increases the risk of muscle relaxer overdose, which can result in seizures, cardiac arrest, and death.

Can You Get Addicted to Muscle Relaxers?

Physicians prescribe muscle relaxers for two to three weeks to treat most muscle spasms.[1] However, some people may use them beyond this timeframe to induce or enhance feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Using muscle relaxers for non-medical reasons like these can increase the risk of tolerance and physical dependence.

When someone becomes tolerant to a muscle relaxer, it no longer works the same. They will require a higher dose to feel its effects, which puts them at risk for addiction and overdose. If they continue misusing the medication, they can become dependent on it and experience uncomfortable or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

Muscle Relaxer Misuse and Abuse 

Muscle relaxer misuse and abuse occur when someone takes the medication for a reason or in a manner other than prescribed.[9]

This includes:

• Taking more muscle relaxers than prescribed.
• Mixing muscle relaxers with illicit drugs or alcohol.
• Crushing muscle relaxers to snort or inject them.
• Taking someone else’s muscle relaxers.
• Using muscle relaxers to fill euphoria or disassociate.
• Taking muscle relaxers to get high.
• Using muscle relaxers to counteract the effects of a stimulant.

Some people may drive or work under the influence of muscle relaxers, despite their doctor’s objections, which increases the risk of injury or death. Using a higher dose than prescribed can further increase these risks.

Signs of Muscle Relaxer Addiction

Why some people get addicted to muscle relaxers and others don’t isn’t well understood. However, those who do have an active addiction may display the following signs:[10]

• An intense urge to use muscle relaxers
• Reinitiating use after trying to stop
• Using more of the medication than prescribed
• Needing time to recover from muscle relaxer use
• Missing work or school due to muscle relaxer use
• Continuing to use muscle relaxers despite the dangers
• Loved ones are concerned about your muscle relaxer use
• Having difficulty fulfilling responsibilities due to muscle relaxer use
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop

Why Are Muscle Relaxers Controlled Substances?   

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration divides drugs into five schedules based on their potential for misuse and abuse. Those at the top of the schedule have the most potential for abuse, while those at the end have a lower risk.

Muscle relaxers from the benzodiazepine category are listed as schedule IV controlled substances, meaning, although the risk is low, it is possible to become dependent on them.[11]

How Common is Muscle Relaxer Misuse?

There isn’t a specific figure for the number of people addicted to muscle relaxers. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 14% of drug overdose deaths resulted from polysubstance misuse involving opioids and benzodiazepines.[12] Further research attributed nearly 20% of all benzodiazepine use to misuse.[13] Specific muscle relaxers like carisoprodol were reportedly used at least once by more than 2.2 million U.S. adults for non-medical reasons.[14]

Can You Overdose on Muscle Relaxers?

It is possible to overdose on muscle relaxers, especially when taking a dose higher than prescribed. This medication can suppress the central nervous system when taken in high doses, resulting in life-threatening complications.[3]

Individuals who are at the highest risk of overdosing on muscle relaxers include:

• Individuals with an addiction
• People who use muscle relaxers long-term
• People who misuse muscle relaxers
• Adults over age 65[1]
• Children

Muscle relaxer overdose can affect one’s ability to speak, think, or react. They must receive treatment right away to avoid serious complications.

Muscle Relaxer Toxicity Warning Signs 

Muscle relaxer toxicity symptoms happen within 30 to 120 minutes of ingestion and include:[15]

• Fainting
• Losing consciousness
• Hallucinations
• Heart attack
• Respiratory distress
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle stiffness
• Vomiting
• Temperature changes
• Coma
• Death

Note:  Each muscle relaxer has its own risk of overdose and overdose symptoms. The above-listed symptoms are the most common.

Can Stopping Muscle Relaxers Cause Withdrawal?

People who use muscle relaxers as prescribed are at low risk of developing a dependency on the medication. However, with long-term use, dependency is likely to lead to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. These people may need to taper off of the medication to avoid withdrawal or attend a supervised detox program.[16]

Muscle Relaxer Withdrawal Symptoms  

Once your body adapts to the presence of muscle relaxers, it may struggle to regulate after cessation. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms related to sudden changes in the central nervous system.[16]

They include:[16]

• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Restlessness or insomnia
• Rebound trimmers or muscle spasms
• Height and pain sensitivity
• Mood swings
• Depression

What Are the Dangers of Muscle Relaxer Addiction?

Muscle relaxer abuse has the potential to alter chemicals in the brain permanently.[17] This makes tolerance and dependency more likely, making quitting difficult despite no longer wanting to use them. Someone in this position will feel helpless and stuck in a loop of using muscle relaxers despite not feeling any relief from them. This puts them at a significant risk of having an overdose.

People who have an addiction to muscle relaxers may have difficulty comprehending as clearly as they did before their addiction. They may make impulsive and risky decisions like stealing, gambling, or driving under the influence. Some may even commit crimes to obtain more muscle relaxers. These risks may turn away family and friends, causing them to isolate or fall into depression.

People who feel depressed are more likely to abuse prescription medications like muscle relaxers or combine them with other substances that will enhance their effects. Unfortunately, the combination of depression and polysubstance abuse increases the risk of committing suicide.[18]

What Are the Treatment Options for Muscle Relaxer Addiction?

Some people with a muscle relaxer addiction are diagnosed with a substance use disorder. This condition makes it difficult for them to stop using muscle relaxers despite no longer needing them. Substance use disorder is a treatable condition but requires professional help to prevent relapse or an overdose.

Current treatment options consist of evidence-based therapies and holistic adjunct treatments.

• Evidence-based treatment: Evidence-based treatments are science-backed and are proven to help individuals overcome addiction.[19] They include intensive outpatient programs, day treatment, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medication-assisted treatment.
• Holistic programs: For a more comprehensive approach, holistic adjunct treatments are used alongside evidence-backed programs. These treatments include art therapy, nature therapy, music therapy, and yoga.

Common treatment options for muscle relaxer addiction include:

• Medical Detox: Medically supervised withdrawal, often referred to as medical detox, is a program designed to help individuals stop using a substance while monitoring them for withdrawal symptoms. During detoxification, patients may receive medication and additional supportive care to minimize or prevent these symptoms.
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment: An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers individuals struggling with muscle relaxer addiction the opportunity to live at home while participating in rehabilitation for several hours each week. During this program, they receive therapy, engage in group activities, and undergo various addiction treatments. This approach is ideal for those who do not require detoxification.
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): In an inpatient treatment program, individuals reside at the treatment facility to receive addiction services. PHP programs enable them to stay in specialized housing near the facility for more flexibility.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals with addiction challenge and overcome negative thought patterns that contribute to their addictive behaviors.

There are numerous treatment options for individuals dealing with muscle relaxer addiction. It’s important to consult a mental health professional or physician to find the most effective approach.

Overcome Muscle Relaxer Addiction Today

Overcoming muscle relaxer addiction can be challenging without assistance. If you are ready to start your recovery journey, we’re here to help.

At Southeast Detox GA, our comprehensive treatment plans focus on identifying the root causes of your addiction and equipping you with the tools necessary to manage triggers that may lead to relapse. Using this approach, we have helped thousands of individuals like you overcome addiction and lead rewarding lives.

Call us today to find out how we can help you recover.