Can you get addicted to muscle relaxers?
Muscle relaxers are a common medication that can make daily activities less painful.
But when you use them more or longer than you should, a habit can form.
Research says 5% of adults in the US misuse these medications.1
Knowing how they work, why they lead to bad habits, and when to get help can help you make better choices.
The ABCs of Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers are medications that help calm the signals between your nerves and muscles.
They are often prescribed for injuries or ongoing back pain.
There are different types of muscle relaxers—some affect the central nervous system, while others target the muscles directly.
They’re designed to:
- Calm overactive nerve activity to stop painful spasms.
- Reduce discomfort, making daily activities easier to manage.
- Improve sleep by easing muscle tension during recovery.
Muscle relaxers are meant to give short-term relief, but some can change how your brain works, making you want to keep using them even after the pain is gone.
That’s why doctors suggest using them for a short time and will keep an eye on how you’re doing to keep you safe.2
Common Muscle Relaxers
- Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine)
- Soma (Carisoprodol)
- Robaxin (Methocarbamol)
- Zanaflex (Tizanidine)
- Skelaxin (Metaxalone)
- Baclofen (Lioresal)
- Valium (Diazepam) – sometimes used for muscle spasms
- Norflex (Orphenadrine)
- Dantrium (Dantrolene)
- Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte DSC)
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.
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Muscle Relaxers: From Abuse to Addiction
Using muscle relaxers more than your doctor recommends can lead you down a dangerous road.
At first, you may take more pills to feel the same relief or use them just to relax when you’re not in pain.
Over time, certain muscle relaxers can affect the reward centers in your brain, and you’ll feel uncomfortable without them.
This shift from normal use to overuse can create a cycle that’s hard to break on your own.
Signs you’re moving toward dependence include:
- Feeling anxious if you miss a dose.
- Asking for extra prescriptions or refills earlier than needed.
- Using muscle relaxers to cope with stress, not pain.
- Taking higher doses than prescribed to feel the same effects.
- Mixing muscle relaxers with alcohol or other substances to enhance the effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, like irritability or restlessness, when not taking the medication.
- Hiding your use from loved ones or lying about how much you’re taking.
- Feeling like you “need” the medication to get through the day.
- Spending excessive time thinking about when you’ll take your next dose.
- Continuing to use muscle relaxers despite negative consequences, like strained relationships or difficulty at work.
Quick Tip: Keep a Muscle Relaxer Journal
Write down how much, how often, and any side effects you notice while using muscle relaxers. This simple habit can help you and your doctor spot patterns or issues early on. Tracking your usage makes it easier to adjust your treatment and stay on the path to recovery.
Can You Have Withdrawals from Muscle Relaxers?
If you’ve been using muscle relaxers for a while, stopping them can cause withdrawal symptoms.
The severity depends on how much you have been taking, how addicted to muscle relaxers you are, and your overall health.
Some people experience mild tension and headaches while others have more severe issues that need medical attention.
Here’s a list of potential withdrawal symptoms from muscle relaxers:
- Anxiety – Feeling restless, nervous, or on edge.
- Insomnia – Trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Muscle Pain or Spasms – Return of pain or cramping as the body adjusts.
- Fatigue – Feeling unusually tired or low on energy.
- Irritability – Becoming easily frustrated or upset.
- Nausea or Vomiting – Feeling sick to your stomach.
- Sweating – Increased perspiration or night sweats.
- Headaches – Mild to severe headaches during withdrawal.
- Rapid Heartbeat – Feeling like your heart is racing.
- Mood Swings – Shifting emotions, from sadness to anger.
If you’re experiencing these withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider for support and guidance.
Muscle Relaxers and Other Substances
When you mix muscle relaxers with other drugs—like opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines—the risks multiply.
Mixing substances can cause more sedation, confusion, or breathing problems, making it even harder to quit.
This added layer of complexity can deepen the muscle relaxant addiction cycle and worsen withdrawal symptoms.
Knowing these risks can help you make better choices about what you put in your body.
Dangerous combinations include:
- Muscle relaxers with alcohol – This can increase drowsiness, impair coordination, and lead to dangerous respiratory depression.
- Muscle relaxers with opioid painkillers (like oxycodone) – The combination heightens the risk of slowed breathing, overdose, or death.
- Muscle relaxers with benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium) – This can amplify sedation, dizziness, and life-threatening respiratory issues.
- Muscle relaxers with antidepressants – Certain antidepressants can interact dangerously, causing extreme drowsiness or serotonin syndrome.
- Muscle relaxers with other central nervous system depressants – Combining with medications like sleep aids or antihistamines can dangerously slow down the nervous system.
When to Get Help
If you feel stuck on muscle relaxers, getting help can make a difference. Treatment options include therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication to help with withdrawal.
Cornerstone offers customized care plans that fit your individual needs, working with you to build healthy habits. With help, you can take back control of your life and move forward.3
Treatment options include:
- Medically supervised detox for withdrawal
- Counseling to understand why you overused
- Group therapy or peer support for shared experience
- Customized treatment for your goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need medication if I get treatment?
Some treatment plans may include non-addictive medications to help with withdrawal symptoms or discomfort during recovery. That said, it’s always based on a full medical assessment, so any meds prescribed will be in line with your health needs and your long-term recovery goals.
Is there a non-addictive muscle relaxer?
Yes, some muscle relaxers are less addictive, but you need to see a doctor to find out what’s safe for you. Your doctor can recommend nonaddictive alternatives and make sure they’re safe for your condition and treatment plan and won’t jeopardize your recovery.
Can I just stop muscle relaxers?
Stopping cold turkey to break muscle relaxer addiction isn’t always safe. You should taper off under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Muscle relaxers can be effective for treating muscle spasms but have the potential for abuse and addiction; an estimated 5% of adults in the U.S. misuse these medications.
- Understanding how muscle relaxers work and their addictive properties is essential for safe use.
- Abuse often leads to addiction, highlighting the need for awareness about their risks.
- Withdrawal from muscle relaxers can be challenging, with symptoms varying based on the specific drug.
- Seeking professional help early, especially through programs like Cornerstone, can provide the necessary support and treatment options for recovery.
Finding Freedom from Muscle Relaxer Addiction
Deciding to face a muscle relaxer addiction is a big step toward feeling healthier and more in control of your life.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, our caring team provides complete treatment for prescription drug addiction, which includes muscle relaxers.
We know everyone’s journey is different, so we create personalized plans to help you every step of the way.
With the right support and guidance, breaking free from addiction is possible.
If you’re ready to begin, we are ready to help you build a healthier, more balanced life.
