If you suspect that someone has overdosed on alcohol and muscle relaxers, call 911 immediately. Remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health and safety. Mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol to get a sort type of high is a sign of addiction.
- However, when taken with or in close proximity to alcohol or other drugs, muscle relaxants can have dangerous, and sometimes deadly, effects.
- Using baclofen to manage symptoms, especially without doctor supervision, can have dangerous consequences.
- Muscle relaxers are effective for pain relief caused by certain conditions, but taking them with alcohol could lead to dangerous side effects.
- Importantly, alcohol is a powerful nervous system depressant, which means that it slows down activity in the brain and central nervous system.
The Myth of Alcohol as a Stress Reliever
Recreationally, people seeking an enhanced sense of relaxation and euphoria combine alcohol and muscle relaxers recreationally. In can you drink with muscle relaxers other instances, the combination can be unintentional, as a person might consume alcohol while on prescribed muscle relaxants, perhaps unaware of the potential dangers. No matter the reason, it’s important to understand that this mix is a dangerous cocktail. If you’ve already mixed muscle relaxers and alcohol, stop drinking immediately. To err on the side of caution, it’s best to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible, especially if you’ve had more than one drink or don’t drink often. Remember, alcohol can intensify the effects of muscle relaxers, and combining the two can lead to an increased risk of alcohol poisoning.
It can be hard to admit that you’re facing alcohol addiction or drug addiction, and it can be even harder to take the first step to overcome it. Fortunately, a variety of treatment programs, different types of drug detox, and addiction treatment programs exist that can help you through the process. Social influences, like seeing others mix these substances without apparent harm, can contribute. Additionally, some individuals seek to intensify the relaxing or sedative effects, leading to a dangerous synergy between the substances. There are two main types of muscle relaxers, one of which works on the brain and the other on the spinal cord.
Many people have shared their personal experiences with combining muscle relaxers and alcohol, and it’s incredible to see the variety of stories out there! 🎉 Some folks found temporary relief and enjoyed a night of relaxation, while others faced unexpected challenges. Sharing these experiences can be powerful for understanding the effects of this combination.
What to Do If You or Someone You Know Has Mixed Alcohol and Muscle Relaxers?
Muscle spasticity is common in people who have conditions such as cerebral palsy or in people who have had an injury to their brain or spinal cord. There may come a time in your life when you require a prescription for a muscle relaxer. If you drink, you may wonder whether it’s safe to mix alcohol with your muscle relaxers. When used properly, under caution, and as prescribed by a doctor, muscle relaxants are typically safe. However, when taken with or in close proximity to alcohol or other drugs, muscle relaxants can have dangerous, and sometimes deadly, effects.
The stories serve as a cautionary tale but also as a reminder that each person’s body reacts differently. Some muscle relaxers can exert strain on the liver, particularly when taken in high doses or over extended periods. Medications such as methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are generally considered safe when used as prescribed, but caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider to assess the suitability of muscle relaxers based on individual health circumstances. For women, there is often an added layer of complexity when it comes to polysubstance abuse. This includes a greater likelihood of being prescribed multiple medications on average and a higher rate of comorbid mental health disorders.
They can help alleviate some of the uncomfortable symptoms that come with the territory — specifically, muscle tremors and spasms. Baclofen can also help alleviate the anxiety many of us feel, especially in the first days after leaving booze behind. The risk of an overdose is a grim reality when mixing muscle relaxers with alcohol. Alcohol can drastically magnify the effects of muscle relaxers, thereby increasing the likelihood of an overdose.
Mixing Alcohol And Muscle Relaxers: Effects And Dangers
Addiction, also called a substance use disorder, is defined as a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain. When cyclobenzaprine and alcohol are abused together, it is called polydrug use. Your doctor may refer you to therapy, outpatient alcohol addiction treatment, or residential rehab for alcohol addiction. Detoxing at a rehab or hospital may be a necessary first step; make sure you ask your doctor for their medical opinion. You can use Recovery.com to find rehabs and outpatient programs that treat alcohol addiction.
Impaired Judgment and Coordination
The head injuries which result from this could be grave, even to the point of being lethal. While any combination of these drugs can be dangerous, many people face more extreme risks when they intentionally use both drugs together to create a desired, pleasurable effect. Within situations of use, an individual is far more likely to use a medication in large dosages. If you find yourself thinking about combining these two substances, it’s important to consider why. Most people who are drinking alcohol and taking prescription medications are trying to amplify the effects of alcohol, which is a sign of alcohol addiction.
Muscle spasms occur when involuntary contractions of a muscle group cause sudden and intense pain. Another concern is the increased risk for overdose due to the sedative effects of both depressants. Muscle relaxers can slow down breathing, and when combined with alcohol, this effect is amplified. This can lead to difficulty breathing or even stopped breathing, which can be fatal.
When alcohol and cyclobenzaprine have been abused together, you probably will need to participate in behavioral therapies and group therapy programs, like the 12-step programs. If you must have an alcoholic beverage, it is best to wait 24 hours or longer after taking your last dose of the muscle relaxer to avoid any potentially harmful effects. We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, unbiased information about mental health and recovery. That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion.
This means that the side effects of muscle relaxers, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, impaired coordination, and confusion, can be intensified when you drink alcohol. In conclusion, mixing alcohol and muscle relaxers can be extremely dangerous. It can lead to an increased risk of overdose, impaired judgment and coordination, increased risk of falls and accidents, and liver damage. If you are taking muscle relaxers, it is important to avoid alcohol or any other depressants. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction or need help managing your muscle pain, seek professional help.
How to talk to a loved one about the dangers of mixing alcohol and muscle relaxers?
You should have regular appointments with your healthcare provider when taking a muscle relaxant to assess how well it’s working. Antispastic medications are effective in treating spasticity, but high doses can lead to unwanted side effects. Other treatments can help with spasticity as well, including physical therapy and Botox® injections. Healthcare providers mainly prescribe antispastic muscle relaxers to treat spasticity. Even with a lower dose, it is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking muscle relaxers. It’s paramount to recognize that we owe it to ourselves, our body, and our overall well-being to make informed, healthy decisions.
Most muscle relaxers act as central nervous system depressants and cause a sedative effect, or prevent your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. Avoid combining muscle relaxers with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants. Alcohol and muscle relaxers can both increase the effects of other drugs. If you or a loved one have mixed muscle relaxers and alcohol, follow these steps immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected individual. All of these effects make it dangerous to operate machinery or drive a car. Poor vision and confusion are also a risk for people who mix alcohol and muscle relaxers.
- This is why it’s important to know what you’re taking, and to avoid mixing substances whenever possible.
- Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all the options available to treat your symptoms.
- Social influences, like seeing others mix these substances without apparent harm, can contribute.
- It may dampen the sensations of stress, which some people experience more pronouncedly than others9, but doesn’t solve the underlying issue.
Reaching for alcohol to cope with stress can start a self-feeding cycle marked by anxiety and eventual dependence. Always read the label and warning labels on your medications before taking them. The label will provide you with important information about potential side effects, interactions with other substances, and dosage instructions. Stop drinking immediately and seek medical attention if necessary, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as extreme tiredness, impaired movement, or heartbeat abnormalities. Some side effects, like difficulty breathing, fever, weakness, or burning in the eyes, can indicate a severe reaction to carisoprodol and require immediate medical attention.
Alcohol should be avoided if you are under treatment with a centrally-acting muscle relaxant (like cyclobenzaprine, baclofen, methocarbamol or tizanidine). When muscle relaxants are combined with alcohol (ethanol), side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and errors in judgement can occur. Driving or other hazardous activities may be more dangerous and should be avoided. If you’ve already mixed muscle relaxants and alcohol, stop drinking immediately.
Incorporating relaxation into your daily routines can help it become habitual. Next time stress overwhelms, try sitting down and playing a guided meditation session. Search the app store on your phone to find dozens of meditation apps to choose from. Drinking alcohol can produce a sense of calm6, and for some, even a sense of euphoria. This can make it seem like a quick solution to stress, but since it doesn’t take away the problem, only distracts from it, alcohol isn’t a true solution. The initial slowing of activity in your CNS causes a feeling of relaxation, but it doesn’t last.