Muscle Relaxers and Alcohol

Muscle relaxers are typically prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s health history. Commonly prescribed muscle relaxers include baclofen, diazepam, cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, tizanidine, and methocarbamol.

What Are Some Common Examples of Muscle Relaxers?

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Muscle relaxers are often used to help reduce the severity of these symptoms. Alcohol isn’t the only thing to steer clear of while taking muscle relaxers. Tapering off drugs can prevent further harm from addiction or help you stop using a medication that is no longer necessary.

What Are the Risks of Drinking on Muscle Relaxers?

Alcohol dependence is caused by changes in the brain chemistry that occur when someone drinks alcohol in high quantities over a long period of time. These changes affect the way the brain responds to alcohol by affecting its reward system. This makes it difficult for someone who is dependent on alcohol to stop drinking without experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Remember, alcohol can intensify the effects of muscle relaxers, and combining the two can lead to an increased risk of overdose. But there is one muscle relaxer called baclofen that some experts believe might help with alcohol withdrawal. These medications work by causing the muscles to relax (go figure!), which helps reduce pain and discomfort.

Tapering allows your body to adapt to muscle relaxers for alcohol withdrawal the decreasing drug levels, making the process more tolerable. On its own, alcohol already has a potent central nervous system depressing effect. This is why people feel sleepy, fall over, and have diminished cognitive and physical function after taking alcohol. As both antispasmodics and antispastics both affect the central nervous system (CNS) to a certain extent, some side effects may be expected. As different people have different tolerances and thresholds, different people may experience just a few of these side effects, while others might suffer more than a few. This website will help you find the resources, support, and community to create your own path.

Common Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers

You might find yourself in great pain and discomfort whenever you try to move with tense or stiff muscles. The silver lining is that muscle spasms are treatable by using muscle relaxers, but the medication brings along the danger of abuse. When used correctly, the drugs can help to alleviate your pain and get you back on your feet. Mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol can be especially dangerous for professional athletes because it can increase the risk of injuries, impair their judgment, and slow their reaction time.

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• This can provide relief for those suffering from severe tension or spasms, but it also comes with potential risks.
• Both muscle relaxers and alcohol slow down or depress the body’s central nervous system (CNS), an action that can lead to these and other dangers should these two substances be combined.
• Alcohol can drastically magnify the effects of muscle relaxers, thereby increasing the likelihood of an overdose.
• At Granite Recovery Centers, we understand that not everyone has a safe place that is conducive to a drug-free life.
• Most of us will struggle with pain at some point in our life, whether acutely or at a chronic level.

However, it is important to use muscle relaxers safely in order to avoid potential complications. They work to slow brain activity, which can slow functions down your breathing and heart rate as well. Since both muscle relaxers and alcohol have this depressant effect, combining the two can compound their impact on your body. This means that the side effects of muscle relaxers, such as drowsiness or dizziness, can be intensified when you drink alcohol. Again, these muscle relaxers are usually prescribed for short-term relief of muscle spasms, tension, or injuries and should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider. Working with your healthcare provider or addiction treatment team, you will determine the method of drug taper based on your individual needs and the substance you’re tapering.

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People tend to mix alcohol and other substances for the combined effect of euphoria or disassociation. A person can self-medicate and become addicted if their patterns don’t change. It’s vital to reach out to someone if you feel as though you’re losing your grip. If you must take a muscle relaxer, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol.

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. Even when used separately, alcohol and muscle relaxers come with their separate sets of side effects.

• It is important to note that even after the physical symptoms have subsided, psychological effects may remain.
• Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.
• The longer someone misuses these medications, the harder it becomes to quit without experiencing discomfort.
• Muscle relaxants work by blocking signals from nerves to the muscles, which can help reduce muscle tension and cramps that may occur during alcohol withdrawal.
• These chemical effects lead to the relaxation of muscle tissue and, in some situations, paralysis.

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These changes may include eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise, along with joining a support group for people with alcohol addiction. Mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol often causes dry mouth and constipation. Increased dependence on the mixture of alcohol and muscle relaxers can even cause liver damage, kidney damage, and edema (swelling). While not everyone who uses muscle relaxers will become addicted, there’s a risk of dependence, especially with drugs like carisoprodol (Soma), which has a high potential for abuse.

Commonly used medications include benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam, and anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine or phenobarbital. Other medications may also be used to help reduce cravings and improve sleep. In some cases, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be managed with medications and supportive care.

Remember that muscle relaxers are typically recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and other pain management strategies. If you’re experiencing troubling side effects or worry about dependency, speaking up sooner rather than later ensures you receive proper guidance and support. In addition to taking muscle relaxers for alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Staying hydrated through drinking plenty of water is also essential in managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Finally, it is important to seek professional support if you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder or addiction. The combination is dangerous, leading to heightened sedative effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination.

It’s characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use regardless of detrimental social, occupational, or health consequences. If you experience any severe symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately. After detoxification, it is important to enter into a rehabilitation program. Inpatient programs require a person to stay at a facility for a period of time, while outpatient programs allow a person to live at home while attending. Methocarbamol, which is sold under the brand name Robaxin, is usually prescribed to treat back pain.

However, some experts believe there is a muscle relaxer called baclofen that might help with alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal is when a person who’s been drinking heavily or for a prolonged period quits drinking alcohol. Adults can take this medication to relieve severe, painful muscle conditions. It can cause drowsiness and dizziness and isn’t recommended for long-term use or by those with a history of addiction.

The We Level Up treatment center network offers nationwide facilities to choose from. Muscle relaxers affect the brain by reducing the activity of neurons in the CNS, which slows down brain function and produces a calming, sedative effect. They work by inhibiting nerve signals that cause muscles to contract, leading to a relaxing effect. With the right support and guidance, breaking free from addiction is possible.