Cyclobenzaprine (commonly known by the brand name Flexeril) is one of the most frequently prescribed muscle relaxers in the U.S. Millions of people take it every year for short-term pain and muscle spasms.

So it’s a fair question — and a common one:

Is cyclobenzaprine addictive?

The honest answer is more nuanced than yes or no.

Cyclobenzaprine is not classified as an opioid and is not considered highly addictive in the same way substances like oxycodone or heroin are. But that does not mean it’s risk-free — especially when used incorrectly or combined with other substances.

What Is Cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant most often prescribed for:

• Back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Short-term musculoskeletal injuries

It works by acting on the central nervous system, helping reduce muscle tension and discomfort. Most prescriptions are intended to last no more than 2–3 weeks.

That time limit matters.

Can Cyclobenzaprine Be Addictive?

Cyclobenzaprine can lead to misuse, dependence, and addiction — especially with prolonged or high-dose use.

While it doesn’t produce the intense euphoria associated with opioids, many people report feeling:

• Sedated
• Relaxed
• Calm
• Mildly euphoric

Over time, that feeling can become something the body — or mind — starts to rely on.

What increases the risk:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed
• Using it longer than recommended
• Using it for emotional relief rather than pain
• Mixing it with alcohol or other depressants

Can Cyclobenzaprine Get You High?

At higher-than-prescribed doses, yes — cyclobenzaprine can produce a “high.”

Recreational use often involves doses far above the typical medical range:

• Prescribed dose: 5–10 mg
• Recreational misuse: 20–80 mg or more

At these levels, users may experience:

• Heavy sedation
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Hallucinations
• Dangerous heart rhythm changes

The higher the dose, the higher the risk — especially when combined with alcohol.

How Cyclobenzaprine Is Commonly Abused

One of the most common patterns of abuse is mixing cyclobenzaprine with alcohol.

Both substances are central nervous system depressants. Together, they amplify each other’s effects.

People misuse cyclobenzaprine to:

• Relax
• Sleep
• Come down from other drugs
• Enhance alcohol’s effects
• Reduce anxiety or physical tension

This combination is particularly dangerous — even though cyclobenzaprine is not a controlled substance.

The Risks of Mixing Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol

Mixing cyclobenzaprine and alcohol significantly increases the risk of:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Loss of coordination
• Blackouts
• Poor decision-making
• Slowed or stopped breathing

Respiratory depression is the most serious risk. When breathing slows too much, oxygen levels drop — which can be fatal.

Loss of consciousness is also common, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or choking.

Dependence and Withdrawal

Cyclobenzaprine abuse doesn’t usually escalate overnight. It tends to build gradually.

With ongoing use, people may develop:

• Tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect)
• Psychological dependence (feeling unable to relax or function without it)

If use stops suddenly after prolonged misuse, withdrawal symptoms can occur, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• General malaise

These symptoms are often underestimated because the drug is “just a muscle relaxer.”

Is Cyclobenzaprine an Opioid?

No. Cyclobenzaprine is not an opioid.

But this distinction can be misleading.

Even non-opioid medications can:

• Be misused
• Cause dependence
• Become dangerous when combined with alcohol or other drugs

The risk isn’t the label — it’s the pattern of use.

When Cyclobenzaprine Use Becomes a Bigger Issue

Cyclobenzaprine use may be crossing a line if:

• You’re taking more than prescribed
• You’re using it to manage stress or emotions
• You feel anxious without it
• You’re combining it with alcohol regularly
• You’ve tried to stop and couldn’t

At that point, the issue often isn’t just pain relief — it’s underlying mental or emotional strain that needs support.

Is There Treatment for Cyclobenzaprine Addiction?

Yes.

Even though cyclobenzaprine addiction isn’t as widely discussed, treatment is available and effective, especially when alcohol or other substances are involved.

Recovery often focuses on:

• Safe tapering or detox when needed
• Treating co-occurring anxiety or depression
• Building healthier coping strategies
• Preventing relapse around pain or stress triggers

You don’t need to “wait until it’s worse” to get help.

When to Reach Out

It may be time to talk to a professional if:

• Cyclobenzaprine use feels out of control
• Alcohol is part of the picture
• You’re using it longer or differently than prescribed
• Your mental health feels worse, not better

A conversation can bring clarity — without judgment.