Can You Use Weed If You Take Cyclobenzaprine, AKA Flexeril?
Article written by
Dipak HemrajHead of Research and Education
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
Using cannabis with cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, impaired thinking, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Common side effects of cyclobenzaprine include headache, tiredness, dizziness, and dry mouth, and these adverse effects may increase in likelihood and severity by using cannabis.
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What Is Cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine is the generic name for Flexeril and Amrix. Cyclobenzaprine is in a class of medications called “skeletal muscle relaxants.”
Uses and How It Works
Cyclobenzaprine is an oral prescription medication used for muscle spasms from musculoskeletal conditions of sudden onset. It is often used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries. Cyclobenzaprine is not valuable for cerebral palsy.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Mixing Cannabis and Cyclobenzaprine
Potential Benefits
- Just like cyclobenzaprine, cannabis can help treat muscle spasms and sporting injuries.
- Common side effects of cyclobenzaprine include headache and fatigue, which medical cannabis can help relieve.
Potential Risks
- Cyclobenzaprine can have sedative effects that are increased when combined with cannabis.
- Dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth may also exacerbate concurrent cannabis and cyclobenzaprine use.
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The Bottom Line
Although mixing cannabis and cyclobenzaprine may not be deadly, using both together may increase the risk of suffering from adverse side effects such as headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, loss of balance, and dry mouth. Those using both may need to reduce either their cannabis or their cyclobenzaprine use, and speaking to a doctor about this is the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you mix weed and muscle relaxers?
There are various kinds of muscle relaxants. Cyclobenzaprine is one. Others include benzodiazepine-based ones such as diazepam (Valium), which, when combined with cannabis, can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. This can result in slowed and reduced breathing, extreme sedation, and, in some cases, coma or even death.
What should you not take with muscle relaxers?
You should not take the following with muscle relaxers like cyclobenzaprine:
- Central nervous system depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, phenothiazines, carbamates, barbiturates, significant tranquilizers).
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) taken within two weeks of cyclobenzaprine may result in severe and life-threatening side effects.
