Is Flexeril an Opioid? Learn the Truth About This Drug

Is Flexeril an Opioid?

If you’ve ever had back pain, a muscle sprain, or strain, a doctor may have given you a drug called Flexeril. But many people wonder: Is Flexeril an opioid? This is a good question, especially when people want to stay safe from substance abuse, dependence, or addiction. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Flexeril, what it does, and whether it’s related to opioids or not.

What Is Flexeril?

A Muscle Relaxant, Not an Opioid

Flexeril is the brand name for a drug called cyclobenzaprine. It is a muscle relaxant, not an opioid or a narcotic. It’s used to help relax skeletal muscle after injuries like strains, sprains, or back pain.

Flexeril works by affecting the central nervous system, helping the body to calm down muscles and reduce pain. Even though it helps with pain, it’s not in the same class as opioids like oxycodone, tramadol, fentanyl, or hydrocodone.

How Flexeril Works in the Brain

Impact on the Central Nervous System

Flexeril changes how signals move through the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It acts like a depressant, meaning it slows down parts of the body’s nervous system. This helps reduce muscle spasms and tension.

Even though it’s not an opioid, Flexeril still has effects on neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. These are chemicals that help control mood, attention, and alertness.

Chemical Structure and Drug Class

Flexeril’s chemical structure is similar to a tricyclic antidepressant, like amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or imipramine. It’s also related to antidepressants like fluoxetine, duloxetine, venlafaxine, bupropion, sertraline, and trazodone.

Because of this, Flexeril can sometimes affect mental health, sleep, and behavior. That’s why some people may experience dizziness, drowsiness, or even euphoria—a feeling of extreme happiness—after taking it.

Side Effects of Flexeril

Taking Flexeril can lead to some side effects. These include:

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Dry mouth or less saliva

• Fatigue or malaise

• Upset stomach or diarrhea

• Fever or flu-like feelings

• Increased heart rate or tachycardia

• High blood pressure or hypertension

These side effects happen because Flexeril acts on the central nervous system and sometimes interferes with receptors that control pain and muscle tone.

Is Flexeril a Controlled Substance?

Flexeril is not listed under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it’s not considered highly addictive like opioids, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely safe.

If taken in high doses, or mixed with alcohol, antipsychotics like quetiapine, or stimulants like adderall or methamphetamine, Flexeril can cause central nervous system depression, which may lead to coma, liver problems, or worse.

Can Flexeril Be Abused?

Yes. Even though Flexeril is not an opioid or a controlled drug, it can still be abused. People may take more than the prescribed dose to feel sleepy or high. Some may mix it with other substances like:

• Alcohol

• Opioids

• Antihistamines

• Anticonvulsants

• Antipsychotics

Doing this can increase the risk of physical dependence, overdose, or long-term health problems.

Who Should Avoid Flexeril?

Some people should not take Flexeril because of other health conditions. Avoid using it if you:

• Have heart failure or other heart disease

• Have had a recent heart attack

• Have hyperthyroidism

• Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine, selegiline, or isocarboxazid

• Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy

Always tell your physician or health care provider if you have other medical problems, or if you’re on drugs like verapamil, doxepin, desipramine, or protriptyline.

Can Flexeril Be Used for Mental Health?

Flexeril is not used as a treatment for mental health disorders like bipolar disorder, psychosis, or personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder. However, because of its relation to antidepressants, it may have small effects on mood, stress, sleep, or anxiety.

But Flexeril is not a replacement for mental health treatment, dialectical behavior therapy, or psychiatry.

Can Flexeril Be Used with Pain Medications?

Sometimes, Flexeril is used along with pain management tools like:

• Ibuprofen

• Physical therapy

• Massage or spinal cord care

• Rest and stretching

But it should not be used with opioids, narcotics, or other depressants unless your doctor tells you it’s okay.

Combining these medications increases the risk of substance dependence, coma, or death due to central nervous system depression.

Flexeril and Urine or Blood Tests

Flexeril usually does not show up on a urine or blood drug test. However, if you are being tested for controlled substances, let your doctor know if you’re taking cyclobenzaprine.

Some tests may detect Flexeril in cases of poison control, overdose, or substance screening programs.

Flexeril and Dual Diagnosis Patients

People with both mental health and substance abuse issues (known as dual diagnosis) must be extra careful with Flexeril. Even though it’s not an opioid, it can still affect behavior and cause harm if misused.

That’s why sobriety and open communication with a health care provider are so important.

Talk to Your Physician

Before starting Flexeril, talk to a licensed physician or health care provider about your health, medication, and behavioral history. If you have insurance, make sure Flexeril is covered under your health insurance plan.

It’s important to understand the mechanism of action of every drug you take, especially when you’re trying to avoid substance dependence or interactions with antidepressants, anticholinergic drugs, or reuptake inhibitors.

Summary: Is Flexeril an Opioid?

No, Flexeril is not an opioid. It is a muscle relaxant that works on the central nervous system to ease pain and muscle spasms. Even though it shares some traits with tricyclic antidepressants, it is not a narcotic or controlled substance.

Still, it can be dangerous if misused or mixed with other substances. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid mixing Flexeril with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs.