Muscle Relaxers Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Muscle relaxers are prescription medications used to manage pain and discomfort provoked by muscle spasms, injuries, or neurological conditions. While they can be effective for short-term relief, these drugs carry the risk of misuse and dependence. Over time, the body becomes reliant on the medication, triggering muscle relaxer withdrawal symptoms when use is moderated or discontinued. Many people who start using these medications for therapeutic reasons find themselves struggling to quit due to the uncomfortable effects of muscle relaxers withdrawal.

Fortunately, detoxing from muscle relaxers can be streamlined with medical supervision and appropriate therapies. This page explores what to expect from the process, from the most common withdrawal symptoms of muscle relaxers to getting effective care during detox and beyond.

What is Muscle Relaxers

Muscle relaxers are prescription drugs used to relieve muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain [1]. Doctors often prescribe them for short-term use to help people recover from injuries, surgeries, or neurological conditions like MS (multiple sclerosis). These medications work by depressing the CNS (central nervous system), slowing nerve activity, and creating a sedative effect that minimizes discomfort.

Unlike painkillers, which target inflammation or pain receptors, muscle relaxers disrupt the communication between nerves and muscles [2]. This can provide relief for those suffering from severe tension or spasms, but it also comes with potential risks. These drugs impact brain function, prompting dizziness and drowsiness and impairing coordination.

There are two main categories of muscle relaxers:

1. Spasmolytics: These are the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxers and include cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), carisoprodol (Soma), and methocarbamol (Robaxin). They reduce muscle discomfort and ease discomfort.
2. Neuromuscular blockers: These are used in surgical settings to paralyze muscles temporarily. They are not generally prescribed for pain relief and are typically administered in hospitals or emergency settings.

While these medications can be effective for short-term relief, prolonged use increases the risk of dependence and addiction [3]. Many people find themselves struggling to stop taking these drugs after their prescription ends, leading to withdrawals from muscle relaxers upon quitting.

What Is Muscle Relaxer Withdrawal Like?

When the body becomes dependent on these drugs, the side effects of stopping muscle relaxers can be intensely uncomfortable. The symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on how long the medication was used, the dosage, and whether the individual was taking other substances alongside it.

Withdrawal from muscle relaxers may involve any of or all the following symptoms:

• Headaches: A persistent, pounding headache can occur as the brain adjusts to the absence of the drug.
• Nausea and vomiting: Many people feel sick or experience digestive distress during muscle relaxers withdrawal.
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and lack of energy are common as the body rebalances while detoxing from muscle relaxers.
• Irritability and mood swings: Withdrawal often triggers emotional instability, including sudden anger or sadness.
• Anxiety and restlessness: Some people experience heightened anxiety or panic attacks during withdrawal from muscle relaxers.
• Muscle pain and stiffness: Since muscle relaxers are used to ease discomfort, stopping them can prompt rebound muscle pain.
• Tremors and shakiness: Overactivity in the CNS can lead to involuntary shaking during muscle relaxer detox. 
• Insomnia: Difficult falling or staying asleep is a common complaint during muscle relaxers withdrawal.
• Sweating and chills: People may feel hot or cold as the body struggles to maintain temperature.
• Hallucinations: In severe cases of muscle relaxers withdrawal, people may see or hear things that aren’t there.
• Seizures: Sudden discontinuation of certain muscle relaxers can provoke seizures [4]. 

How Long Do Muscle Relaxer Withdrawals Last?

The muscle relaxer withdrawal timeline depends on the type of medication and individual health. Some people experience mild symptoms for a few days, while others endure severe discomfort for weeks. Here’s a general guide to how long it takes to withdraw from muscle relaxers: 

• First 24 to 72 hours: The most intense muscle relaxers withdrawal symptoms include nausea, tremors, and anxiety. These symptoms typically manifest during the first 3 days of detox.
• Days 4 to 7: Symptoms peak, with emotional distress and insomnia uppermost.
• Week 2 and beyond: Most physical symptoms of muscle relaxers withdrawal fade, although cravings, anxiety, and mood swings often linger.

Muscle relaxers withdrawal can be unpredictable, and attempting to quit alone can be dangerous. A supervised detox program can help individuals manage symptoms safely.

Why Muscle Relaxers Abuse Causes Withdrawal

Muscle relaxers are not designed for long-term use, but their effects on the brain and body can make them habit-forming. People may misuse these drugs in several ways, including:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed.
• Using them for longer than recommended.
• Combining them with alcohol or other depressants to intensify effects.
• Using them without a prescription to self-medicate for stress or anxiety.

When someone regularly takes muscle relaxers, the brain adjusts neurotransmitter activity. The nervous system slows down in response to the drug’s sedative effects. Over time, the body becomes dependent on the presence of muscle relaxers to function normally.

Once the drug is removed, the nervous system becomes overactive, leading to muscle relaxers withdrawal. This is why many people struggle to stop using muscle relaxers without medical help. The longer someone misuses these medications, the harder it becomes to quit without experiencing discomfort.

What Is Detox for Muscle Relaxers Like?

Detox is the first step in breaking free from muscle relaxer dependence. This process allows the body to eliminate the drug while managing withdrawal symptoms in a controlled setting.

Attempting to quit without medical support can be risky, especially if withdrawal symptoms become severe—many people who try to detox alone relapse due to the intensity of symptoms.

A supervised environment where healthcare professionals monitor symptoms, provide medications to ease discomfort, and ensure safety is the recommended approach, especially for those who have been using muscle relaxers for a long time.

Medical detox from muscle relaxers may involve:

• Tapering off the medication: Doctors may gradually reduce the dosage instead of stopping suddenly to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Medication support: Certain medications, such as anti-nausea drugs, sleep aids, or anxiety treatments, may be used to ease symptoms.
• Hydration and nutrition: Since withdrawal can cause nausea and appetite loss, maintaining proper nutrition is essential.
• Monitoring for complications: Medical professionals watch for serious issues like seizures or extreme agitation.

The muscle relaxers detox process typically lasts between 5 and 14 days, depending on the severity of dependence. After detox, additional treatment is needed to prevent relapse.

What Happens After Muscle Relaxers Detox?

Detox is only the first step in recovery. Without ongoing support, the risk of relapse remains high. After withdrawal symptoms fade, individuals need to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of their substance use.

Common rehab and therapy options include:

• Inpatient rehab: A structured environment where individuals receive counseling, medical care, and support while living at a treatment facility.
• Outpatient treatment: Therapy and support programs enable individuals to maintain their daily responsibilities while attending scheduled treatment sessions.
• Behavioral therapy: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) helps people change thought patterns driving addiction and develop healthier coping techniques.
• Support groups: Programs like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or other recovery groups provide peer support and encouragement.

Long-term strategies include:

• Developing healthy stress-management techniques.
• Staying connected with supportive friends and family.
• Engaging in regular physical activity to reduce cravings.
• Continuing therapy or counseling as needed.

Recovery from muscle relaxer dependence is an ongoing process, but with the proper treatment and support, lasting sobriety is achievable. Seeking help is the first step toward reclaiming a healthier, drug-free life.

Muscles Relaxers | FAQs

When will withdrawal symptoms end?

Most withdrawal symptoms last 1 to 2 weeks, with the worst manifesting in the first 3 to 7 days. Psychological effects, like cravings or anxiety, may linger for weeks or months, especially without support.

What are the side effects of coming off cyclobenzaprine?

Stopping cyclobenzaprine can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, muscle pain, and insomnia. In rare cases, severe symptoms like heart palpitations or hallucinations may occur.

What is the most addictive muscle relaxer?

Carisoprodol (Soma) is the most addictive of these medications because it breaks down into meprobamate, a sedative that can trigger euphoria, dependence, and withdrawal.

What are the early stages of withdrawal?

During the first 6 to 24 hours, people often experience anxiety, nausea, sweating, and restlessness. Symptoms tend to peak during the first 2 to 7 days. These may include tremors, insomnia, severe muscle pain, and dramatic mood swings.

Get Help Stopping Muscle Relaxers at a Premier Rehab

If you or someone you care about has been misusing prescription muscle relaxers, reach out to Renaissance Recovery today. We can help you find medical detox centers near you to streamline getting off muscle relaxers and prepare you for ongoing treatment.

When you choose an outpatient program at our California or Florida rehab, you continue living at home and attend weekday therapy sessions around your existing commitments. This provides the most flexible and affordable pathway to long-term recovery.

Every prescription drug addiction is different, so all our treatment plans are personalized to reflect this. Therapies include:

• Medication management
• Motivational therapies
• Counseling
• Behavioral therapies
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Group therapy
• Aftercare planning

Begin your recovery at Renaissance by calling 866-330-9449. 

Sources

[1] https://go.drugbank.com/categories/DBCAT002178

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/muscle-relaxant

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8583742/

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7901132/