Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Anyone tried to stop FLEXERIL after long term use?

I have been prescribed Flexeril for over a year, as a muscle relaxant for long term back and neck pain...  I was told it was a 'safe' drug, and not to worry about it - it was not addicting. Now, after taking it for this long, I have re-read the patient information packet, and see that it is only for short term use, and I cannot find information on how to titrate off.

I get migraine headaches whenever I stop taking it for any length of time, as well as other symptoms...  Can anyone help me with their experience, referrals to information sources, or even to experts who have the infomation I seek?

thank you in advance,  Sassisu
44 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I have been taking Flexeril 10mg/day for 2 1/2 years.  I have decided to stop taking it as I am concerned about side effects like the blurred vision.  (Yeah, I know it took me awhile to figure this out!).  I stopped taking it for 3 days and got the worst headache, like an axe in my head.  It kept me up all night and l also had other unusual symptoms.   I decided I was kind of an idiot for stopping it cold turkey like that.  I took a half tab (approx. 5 mg) and my headache stopped after an hour.  That was this morning. I am planning to take 1/2 tab/day for 2 weeks, then go to 1/2 tab every other day for 2 weeks and then 1/2 tab every 3rd day for 2 weeks.  I hope it works.  I'll let you know.  Thanks! Missy
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
The withdrawal from the stopping of Flexoril has been the most horrible "cluster/migraine" headaches i have ever felt...especially upon wakening.
It has been going on for a week+-i can't stand it much longer
Helpful - 1
2 Comments
taper slowly
taper slowly
317787 tn?1473358451
I know this is old however I think it is very helpful to others and I appreciate the fact I found it.
I took a flexeril from last years back surgery thinking it would help me sleep.  It helped me sleep really well but now I am very groggy.
I only took a quarter to a half of one 10 mg pill.
I looked it up and found the half life is very long.  I will not take this again!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread
Dee
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I took 10mg of Flexeril for about 14 months for muscle spasms in my neck. I decided to come off the med and as always I tapered down, I went from 10mg to 5mg with no issues.  I had few very mild headaches that were easily resolved with Advil.  I stayed at the 5mg for 3 weeks then went to 2.5mg for 3 weeks and jumped off with no issues.
547368 tn?1440541785
Please see above comments from Philnoir. Read his response in it's entirety.It contains the answer to your question.

As also said above - Please begin a new thread. Your question is important to us.

Thank You,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
7721494 tn?1431627964
Flexeril (CYCLOBENZAPRINE) is a CNS-active muscle relaxant.

It does not work on the muscle, or the nerve that activates the muscle (a motor nerve).

It acts on the brain stem, where pain signals are transmitted from the spinal cord. It may also have some activity within the spinal cord.

Both these organs of the central nervous system (CNS) are very complex -- they challenge today's medical knowledge.

In other words -- we don't know all they do in processing pain.

So, we don't know why Flexeril works. But lets use the generic name -- cyclobenzaprine.

This drug is very similar in structure to the Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs).

If any of you have tried amitriptyline (Elavil) or nortriptyline for pain, you've used a TCA.

TCAs are 1st generation antidepressants, that appeared in the late 1950s and are based on the pharmaceutical research in antihistamines of that period.

Antihistamine -> TCA -> cyclobenzaprine.

These substances do not activate the 3 or 4 neuropeptides called opiate receptors within the cell wall of a neuron that regulate Calcium and/or Sodium ions that permit the transmission of pain signals.

Therefore, they cause no dependence like the opioid medications.

These are not "pain killers" but may help to attenuate some pain through mechanisms that we do not understand.

Flexeril first appeared as a medication in the 1970s, which gives you an idea of where medical science is.

Do not fear Flexeril -- if it works for you in small doses (like in Tuck's situation), then use it.

You can stop it anytime without incident.

Now please -- whomever is interested in Flexeril -- open a new question, and ask it. This way, the people who answer questions here will notice the question is new by date, and pay attention.

Tagging on to old threads (from 2007?) is a sure way to get us to ignore your question.

Best wishes to you all.
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
Hi Mike,

Welcome. This is a very old thread. I think I'm the only remaining active member - so no one will really see your comment. I encourage you to begin a new thread (Post A Question) in the future instead of commenting on these old threads. Your input is important to us.

You'll not experience withdrawal (w/d) symptoms until you totally stop a medication. As long as you continue to take it - even at 3-4 a week you should be SX (symptom) free.

I truly believe w/d SX depends on the individual's system, the medication, strength and length of time one has been on the med. I am so fortunate. I've never experienced any extreme w/d SX - and there have been several times I really should have had some nasty ones. Again I truly believe it has something to do with the individual.

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad the Flexeril is effective for you.

Take Care,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been taking 10 mg of flexeril semi regularly at bed time for about 15 years due to disc issues in my cervical spine. My condition makes it difficult to find a comfortable position while in bed which causes sleep issues. My PCP seems to feel far more comfortable with me taking that level of dosage for sleep rather than prescribing other sleeping medications. I use it 3-4 times per week with no withdrawal issues.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Even tho this is an old thread people still view it and are taking information/advice from it. So..We need to clear up a few things.first to comment on this post, of course you don't have withdrawals. You take it every single night. You don't get withdrawals when you are taking a drug, it's when you stop!! To the person that listened to their idiot doctor that told them to stop percocet cold turkey after a year or more of being on it, DO NOT do this. That was 100% of your withdrawal symptoms. (Source medical knowledge and experience with opiates) Next...Flexeril long term than stopping can and 95% sure will give you minor to severe headaches, rebound muscle tension, and/or bouts of nausea...Also for the people on numerous drugs for cholesterol/blood sugar/any and all drugs, please change your diet.for example gluten is not just bad for celiac and gluten intolerance..it's bad for all of us and put in our food supply as a thickener or to make your food more "appealing". Cut out ALL corn syrup..refined sugar is bad enough. Corn syrup is horrible. CARAGEENEN used in some brands of alternative milks and "healthy" snacks is bad. The chicken you are buying and other meats are full of antibiotics. There is wax on your non organic processed fruits. Also look into natural supplements and I don't mean at walmart.go online or a whole foods store. A cheap multivitamin is made with man made vitamins that the human intestine can't even absorb. A good place to start is Curcumin from tumeric with bioperine, CBD, deglycerrized licorice root, reis hi mushroom, buoavaliable converted vitamins, cycobalamin b12
Avatar universal
well, add me to the list of long-time flexeril users attempting to go off too soon.  i had a car accident almost five years ago (feb '15) and my hands took the impact from the air bag in the steering wheel. flexeril and mobic were added to my drug cocktail.  i'm already a fibro/migraine patient and was taking topamax, effexor, gabapentin, and ambien plus meds to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.  the flexeril and mobic both helped my fibro symptoms and once my hands and left arm were rehabbed after a year the rheumatologist kept the meds on my list.  now i have cataracts!  i'm only 46!!  the eye doc says several meds can contribute to the formation of cataracts as well as genetics, nutrition, etc but i am on several meds that cause photo sensitivity.  flexeril is the first to go.  the migraine has started after three days.  sigh.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been on Percocet 10/325 for close to 7 years. I am also on Nucynta 100mg, Butrans Patch 10mcg, Flexeril 10mg, Lexapro 10mg and Naproxen 500mg. I recently saw a New Dr. a rheumatologist he put me on Cymbalta 30mg for 10 days then 60mg after that. When I had the Rx filled my Pharmacist said I could not take the Flexeril and Lexapro with the Cymbalta as it can cause some kind of syndrome that can be fatal. So I stopped both. A week later I saw my Pain Management/Orthopedic Surgeon and they said they were taking me off Percocet. I thought ok I don't want to be on all these drugs anymore so ok. BAD BAD BAD decision. The last 3-4 weeks have been pure HELL, from itching to rashes to body aches and headaches to being in bed for 3-4 even 5 days straight no food barely anything to drink and hardly going to bathroom, just 0 energy, add to that diarrhea, dizziness, stress, just feeling like I'm not here. Now my brain feels like it is juggling around in my head and my ears are getting that sound in them like when you get water in them after swimming. Just one thing after another. My Rheumatologist and my Pharmacist both said withdrawal from Percocet for sure and maybe the Flexeril. I will see my Pain Dr. on Monday for the 1st time since I was taken of Percocet last month. I'm so pissed/frustrated etc. I guess that is why Dr's are practicing medicine because they are not experts. All the advise I can give is if you are trying to come off any drug take your time unless you enjoy discomfort. As far as Flexeril withdrawal I believe it is an issue and needs to be treated like any other drug withdrawals. Hope this helps someone. Don't give up and don't give in.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I posted on 8/10/2014 that decreasing Flexeril from 20mg to 5mg gave me a nasty migraine headache.. while I was not confined to bed it was a constant nagging headache.. the headache was the worse for the first two weeks and very, very slowly subsided.. it lasted for 29 days.  Suppose that is from taking it for 25 years.  My suggestion to anybody wanting to stop or reduce their daily dose is to titrate down very, very slowly.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been taking Flexeril since 1989.. it all began for Bruxism taking 10mg at bedtime.. In 2002 was diagnosed with Fibro and dose increased to 40mg at bedtime to promote sleep.  for the bulk of the time I never had a problem with extreme day time fatigue and weakness..until a year ago.. so a few months ago I cut back from 40mg to 20mg at bedtime with no symptoms of withdrawl to note.  On Wednesday 7/30 I cut back from 20mg to 5mg at bedtime. Less than 72 hours later I began to experience a nasty migraine headache in the back of my head.. even my cervical neck muscles feel like they have a migraine when I turn my head.. I've had this headache since 8/1 .. today is 8/10 and I still have it. While I realize that taking more would probably eliminate the headache and could  then taper down more gently am going to try to tough it out as not having any hangover effect is quite nice.  Will try to remember to post again when the headache ceases.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sometimes going to an. NA meeting helps very much. Just being able to talk to other people who have gone threw it before gives you hope! The opiate withdrawal   Day three is the worst then everyday will get better.You only have to do it once! Good luck be strong
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello there, I am new to this site.  I too have been on Norco and tramadol for almost 10 years.  I have tried several times to stop taking it, weaning off of it but always end up in so much pain that I stay in bed for days because of the pain.  I have thought about doing the suboxone to taper off but my fear is that I can't deal with the pain.  My DH & I have a contracting business and I have to work.  There is know one but me to do my work and I don't have paid sick time.  I also feel terrible when I don't take my meds and I can't  keep up with my family.  My meds make me normal and so I can function but I carry such guilt because society tells me I am a bad/weak person for needing them.  How did you do your off your meds?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
how long did it take patdean.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
so how long before the headaches stopped from the withdrawal.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've found that taking the lowest dose of Flexeril, 10 mg helps with my fibromyalgia more than any of the meds specifically prescribed.  I could not tolerate  any of them.   Key is, I only take it when I absolutely need it and at bedtime.  It relaxes my muscles and helps me sleep.  I've been doing this for the last five years.  60 tabs last me nine to twelve months.   I want to share with you, B5, Pure Pantethine helps greatly.  

Enjoy your day...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This was in reply to your comment  "I don't think that Flexeril can be compared to the trycylics, not even close".  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Flexeril may increase the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants. There are no adequate studies on the use of Flexeril in pregnant women. It is not known if Flexeril is secreted in milk. However, because Flexeril is related to tricyclic antidepressants and some of these are excreted in breast milk, caution is advised in nursing mothers.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Flexeril may increase the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants. There are no adequate studies on the use of Flexeril in pregnant women. It is not known if Flexeril is secreted in milk. However, because Flexeril is related to tricyclic antidepressants and some of these are excreted in breast milk, caution is advised in nursing mothers.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have discontinued Flexaril after a year and a half 15 mg a day for bursitis and discovered my muscles itch and need constant stretching. I found quinine or tonic water and magnesium suplements (250 mg 2x's a day) helped quite a bit. The Flexaril did help lessen my hotflashes though. Now I am on low dose hormone treatments. kee
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Interesting how long this thread has been going on. I too had been on flexeril for almost 2 1/2 yrs. I stopped suddenly 2 months ago after reading the drug interactions of flexeril with norco and wellbutrin. They all effect the CNS in similar ways. I also experienced bad withdrawal symptoms but in the end it was worth getting off flexeril  because of the side of effect of muscle weakness/stiffness. Here's my two cents -
1. If you are taking other drugs, they can interact or AMPLIFY side effects so go online and do your own search to see what each of the drugs you are taking does. If you see more than one drug doing the same thing - talk to your doctor/pharmacist - you could be over medicating.
2. Also be aware of nonmeds that effect the CNS such as splenda and alcohol.
3. Additionally, try massage therapy or YOGA instead of meds. Both have made such a difference in my life. There are so many DVDs out there but the ones I liked the best are from Larry Payne, one for lower back problems, and one for upper back/neck problems.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have taken flexeril, 10mg once daily for the last 8 years and as I get older I thought I would try to cut back on medicine I take since I haven't had any back pain for quite a while.  So I just stopped taking it figuring if my back started hurting I had a prescription I could get refilled.  So I abruptly stopped taking it about 3 weeks ago and I have had a horrible headache for about 2 1/2 weeks.  Nothing helps the head ache.  I have taken every kind of over the counter pain med and nothing makes the headache go away.  In trying to figure out what was causing the headaches, because I was ready to make a doctor appt. thinking I must have a brain tumor or something and it hit me that about 3 weeks ago I stopped the flexeril and shortly there after I started having headaches.  So I searched the web and found all the above comments which have helped greatly because I am going to refill the flexeril and start taking it again and then I am going to gradually cut back the amt. and how often I take it and see it I can get off it without the horrible headaches. If I go back on the flexeril and the headaches go away I will know that it was the flexeril.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been taking flexeril for over 1.5 years. For the last 3 months I have only been taking one 10mg a day. I haven't taken any for 3 days. I am not getting headaches just mild coughing and congestion in the middle if the night, and I'm only able to sleep about four hours a night for two days. Very, very mild symptoms that only happen when I stop taking it. I have had to go through withdrawals from addictive pain killers before -- so far this doesn't even come close. It's just a little uncomfortable at night  and I am at about 75 percent energy. It doesn't seem to last long.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi all,

I haven't visited in a long time, and I apologize to anyone who has specifically sritten to me and waited for a response.  Hopefully, by reading all of the posts, your questions were addressed, or you were validated in your symptomology.  I am not a medical professional, so I really can't give specific advice, other than to say if you are pretty sure you are in withdrawal - and that it isn't something else happening, try to start a taper regime.  Go slowly, and you will increase your success at titrating off flexeril for good.

To anyone still interested in this forum topic, my conclusion as well as the results reported here suggest that flexeril is problematic - to say the least - to certain people, and simply not a problem at all to others.  I think more research needs to be done to finesse out the real answers, since there are so many variables that could be influencing the reactions one has.  

My take home message is to be much more cautious with Any medication, since it is not possible for every reaction to be anticipated in every person...  I just wish there were a better answer than drugs for chronic and acute pain.  I know there are many other modalities out there, like accupressure, accupuncture, massage, etc...  However, I continue to see the need for more options. Thanks everyone...  Hang it there... who know if the miracle is just around the corner?

Sassisu
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I finally went to a pain specialist. She did a neurotomy on my back-- burn the nerves so they can't transmit the pain. I thought the pain would stop pretty soon after, but it didn't. I have been doing warm pool therapy and exercises to strengthen my core, and am certainly doing a lot better. Enough to try getting off the 20 mg flexeril at night, but have been having side effects from this. Lkf
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community

Top Pain Answerers
Avatar universal
st. louis, MO
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches