Flexeril is the brand name of cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms associated with short-term musculoskeletal conditions. Cyclobenzaprine overdose is unlikely to be fatal, although when combined with other substances, dangerous or lethal effects can occur. Signs of an overdose include shaking, agitation, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and vomiting.
In the event of a Flexeril overdose or in case of an emergency, such as loss of consciousness or seizures, seek medical assistance immediately or call 911.
- Symptoms of a Flexeril overdose include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, shaking, slurred speech, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Various substances interact with Flexeril, increasing the risk of overdose, particularly alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines.
- People who abuse Flexeril may require professional treatment such as mental health care or substance use disorder treatment.
Can you overdose on Flexeril?
It is possible to overdose on muscle relaxers such as Flexeril when a higher dose than prescribed is taken, take other substances at the same time, or have an underlying condition. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms and other musculoskeletal pain conditions. [1]
A typical daily dose is up to 30 mg and anything above this can cause overdose, with symptoms including drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and uncoordinated movements. [1]
Can you die from Flexeril overdose?
According to reports and case studies, Flexeril overdoses cause little or no symptoms and are typically non-fatal. Even those who experience a serious Flexeril overdose are very likely to recover, following medical treatment and monitoring. [2][3]
Although a Flexeril overdose is unlikely to be fatal, combining Flexeril with other substances, particularly other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol and opioids, can result in severe or lethal effects. [4][5]
In rare cases, Flexeril overdose can be fatal. Factors that can increase the risk of death from Flexeril overdose include: [1][5]
- Combining Flexeril with other substances
- Administering Flexeril to children or the elderly
- Physical health conditions, particularly impaired liver functioning
Maximum recommended dose of cyclobenzaprine
A typical dose of cyclobenzaprine for an adult is up to 30 mg per day, split into three doses. It is not recommended to take more than this within 24 hours. High-risk groups should take smaller doses. [1]
A potentially fatal dose of cyclobenzaprine may vary depending on the individual, their age, weight, and health. Any dose can cause overdose effects, although larger doses, particularly when combined with other substances, may be more likely to be dangerous or fatal.
Cyclobenzaprine overdose symptoms
Common signs of a cyclobenzaprine overdose include: [1][6]
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Agitation
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Potentially serious symptoms of cyclobenzaprine overdose are less common and often occur when abusing the drug alongside other substances. Serious symptoms may include: [1][6][7]
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Severely reduced breathing
- Trouble breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a condition associated with unusual dopamine activity, causing symptoms such as muscle rigidity, difficulty swallowing, loss of consciousness, and high temperature.
- Serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition caused by extremely high serotonin levels, resulting in symptoms such as fever, confusion, sweating, shaking, and twitching
What to do in case of a Flexeril overdose
If a Flexeril overdose is suspected, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for advice or contact a medical professional. If the person is unresponsive, cannot breathe, or is experiencing seizures, call 911 immediately.
In order to inform treatment, it can be helpful to ascertain which substances the individual has taken, in what doses, and at what time.
Treatment for Flexeril overdose
The individual may require hospital monitoring and treatment, including stomach pumping and activated charcoal to decontaminate the stomach. [1]
Other symptoms may require monitoring and treatment, such as breathing difficulties, cardiac toxicity, or seizures. [1]
Following overdose, the individual may be referred to specialist services, such as substance use disorder treatment or mental health professionals if a suicide attempt is suspected.
Flexeril drug interactions
Flexeril can enhance CNS depressant effects and increase the risk of respiratory depression and severe sedation. This includes: [1][6]
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and sedatives
- Anxiolytics
Flexeril is structurally similar to the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline and as such, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome occurring if combined with other serotonergic medications, particularly antidepressants such as: [1][8]
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Tramadol
- Bupropion
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