The length of time that Flexeril remains in the body after the last dose varies greatly for different people. It can be anywhere from just under two days at the very least and up to around nine days at most. Read on to answer the question of: How long do muscle relaxers stay in your system? You will also discover the factors that affect how long it takes for Flexeril to exit the body, the half-life of Flexeril, and how long Flexeril will show up on different drug tests.
What is Flexeril?
Flexeril, otherwise known as Cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant prescribed to treat musculoskeletal conditions like muscle spasms, sprains, cramps, and injuries. It is prescribed for use for up to 2-3 weeks, as per the recommendation from the FDA, although it may be taken for longer in cases of fibromyalgia. It has similar properties to depressants, as it interacts with the central nervous system (CNS) to calm the tightened muscles.
Unfortunately, Flexeril is sometimes abused. Flexeril can easily become habit-forming because it has sedative properties and leaves the user feeling calm and relaxed. It is often used recreationally to enhance the effects of other drugs or alcohol and is snorted, swallowed in pill form, or crushed. Using Flexeril with other drugs or alcohol has particularly severe risks, as the interaction between the two substances can result in unpredictable and fatal consequences, including overdose and death.
Side-Effects of Flexeril Misuse
Flexeril, like many prescription drugs, is very effective at treating pain and injuries, but when used in higher-than-recommended doses or when it is not prescribed at all, can cause unpleasant side effects.
Below are some common side effects that people experience when abusing Flexeril:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Vision issues
- Anxiety
- Stomach pain
How Long Does Flexeril Take to Kick In?
People who struggle with muscle pain or abuse Flexeril recreationally often wonder: How long does it take for cyclobenzaprine to work? The effects of the pill usually kick in around an hour after it is consumed, and remain active for around four to six hours after the last dose. This is important knowledge for people who are taking Flexeril and would like to be responsible about the amount of medication they take so they do not become addicted to the drug. If you suspect that you or your loved one may be in the process of becoming dependent on or addicted to the drug, it’s important to monitor whether the proper dose is being taken.
Flexeril Half-Life
The half-life of a substance is the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the body to reduce to half. Once the substance has reached its half-life, only half of the concentration of the drug remains in the body. The time it takes for Flexeril to exit the body is measured by its number of half-lives, i.e, how many times the concentration of Flexeril in the body will have to be reduced by half until there is no Flexeril left.
The average half-life of Flexeril is 18 hours. This means that after 18 hours, only half the concentration of Flexeril remains in the body. It will take six half-life cycles for the drug to exit the body entirely, which would be around 34 hours. Although this is the average, the half-life of Flexeril can be anywhere between 8 to 36 hours.
Factors That Affect How Long Flexeril Stays in The System
The answer to the question of "how long does cyclobenzaprine last?" depends on several factors that will vary for every person.
- Dose- The larger the dose, the longer it takes for the drug to exit the body.
- Duration and frequency of use- The longer the drug has been misused, and the more often the drug is misused, the longer it takes for the drug to be processed and removed from the body.
- Weight and metabolism- Heavier people and people with a slower metabolism have a harder time ridding the body of the drug.
- Age- Older people usually have a slower metabolism, which results in slower excretion of the drug.
- Liver function- The liver is a key part of the excretory system,, so the healthier the liver, the faster the drug will be removed.
- Other substances- If other recreational substances are used concurrently, it may take longer for the body to remove Flexeril.
Does Flexeril Show Up on a Drug Test?
Most lab tests do not screen for Flexeril use, and the common 12-panel screen test does not include Flexeril either. There are, however, four different testing methods that show whether Flexeril has been used: urine, saliva, hair, and blood. The amount of time that Flexeril shows up is different for all four forms of testing.
Urine- A urine test will show Flexeril use for around 72 hours after the last dose.
Saliva- A saliva test is only effective for a few hours after Flexeril was last consumed, but it can show up for around 36 hours.
Hair- Flexeril drug tests using hair are rare, but they show Flexeril use for the longest period of time- 90 days.
Blood- A blood sample shows the use of Flexeril for 3-8 days after the last dose. It’s difficult to predict the exact amount of time because it varies from person to person.
How to Flush Muscle Relaxers Out of Your System
If you are going to be tested for Flexeril use by your employer, principal, probation officer, or other authoritative figure, you may be looking for a method to flush the substance out of your body so it does not show up on the drug test. It’s important to be aware that there are unsafe methods of removing Flexeril from the body quickly that should never be employed.
There is no specific safe method that can completely eliminate the drug from the system, but there are some things you can do to help your system along the natural process faster:
- Staying hydrated- Drinking several liters of water a day can assist in flushing the substance from the body. Some say that cranberry juice can be useful, too.
- Exercising- This quickens your metabolism, allowing the substance to exit the body faster through the waste system.
- Avoiding foods that cause constipation- This allows the body to work faster at eliminating the drug.
In a drug rehab facility, people who are addicted to Flexeril can engage in the safest form of detoxification. There, medical professionals monitor the patients and utilize medications and other methods to ensure a safe and effective medical detox.
Flexeril Addiction Treatment Options
If you or your loved one is abusing Flexeril with detrimental effects, know that the addiction will not disappear on its own. It is almost impossible for someone struggling with addiction to quit the drug cold turkey, even as they are cognizant of the adverse impact the addiction has on their lives financially, emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
It’s important not to attempt to deal with the addiction on your own, but rather consider treatment options that can help you when you are ready to take control of your life.
- Medical detox- As mentioned above, medical detox is the first course of action to help a person remove a substance from their body safely, with minimal withdrawal effects. This can take place at a drug rehab facility, a hospital, or other medical facility.
- Therapies- There are many therapies available that can support the process of recovery, including one-on-one talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapies, and other holistic methods. These can take place inpatient at a drug rehab center or, in cases of lesser severity, outpatient at a medical center.
- MAT- An acronym for medication-assisted treatment, this is a treatment plan that uses medications under the guidance of a mental health professional to ease withdrawal and assist in the process of recovery.
Avenues Recovery Can Help You Get Flexeril Out Of Your System For Good
An addiction to Flexeril can start off innocently, with the medication prescribed by a doctor and the patient using it responsibly, as recommended. Unfortunately, this can devolve when the user experiences the pleasurable, calming effects of the medication and tries to recreate that experience by taking a higher-than-recommended dose. If this has happened to you or a loved one, know that this has happened to thousands of people before you.
Although addiction is devastating, you can choose to get out of the cycle by reaching out to Avenues Recovery Center to start your journey to recovery. We have vast experience dealing with many forms of addiction, including Flexeril addiction. Our mental health professionals are here to guide you every step of the way until you find sobriety. We use a wide array of therapies and personalized treatment plans to give you the best chance at recovery. Our skilled and professional staff have helped thousands of people overcome their addictions, and they can help you too. Reach out to us to experience top-notch care and unshakeable support. We will guide you to sobriety together. Begin your journey home today.