Flexeril ?

[ozzybug]

Mike-
The answer to your question is absolutely. It is one of those medications that can cause abuse problems. Because it's a muscle relaxer, it can also have a "depressive" effect on you. I know you mentioned that you are suffering from depression, so if you are taking any anti-depressants, you should really let your doctor know before taking it.

All the information on Flexeril states that it should only be used short term because of the risk of withdraws associated if taken for more than just a few days. Also, alcohol is a huge "no-no" with this medication.

It will make you very sleepy too. You might want to ask your doctor about Skelaxin instead. It doesn't cause drowsiness and the potential for abuse is much less. As with any medication though, there is always a chance of that no matter what the information says.

Good Luck. I hope you are feeling much better all around soon!!

[mike s]

Hi g8trgrl15, I haven't had any booze since Jan. '06 & clean from Vicodin for only 4 months. Because of this depression I'm having a hard time staying sober but I'm hanging in there. Thanks, Mike

[g8trgrl15]

I've been clean from methadone and lortab for 27 days and counting. I've found myself wanting to have a beer to kind of make things easier.. but I know the answer isn't to quit one addiction for another. I used to go out and drink on the weekends all the time, but alcohol was never a problem for me. I think I just want it now for a crutch. I drank last weekend..after not drinking for over 2 years. (Doing the church thing, trying to live right) Guess I'm just looking for something in the wrong area. Hope the depression gets better, I'll keep you in my prayers..

Brandi

[mike s]

Thanks Brandi, Congrats on 27 days ! I've heard that Methodone is hell to come off. You're doing great. I know it's not easy. I had two brothers die from addiction. My oldest died @ 48 from alcohol & my other brother died @ 42 from Heroin. I remember watching him go through Heroin withdrawal. It was terrible. Of course I was young & looked down on him. I learned never to judge because I became an addict myself. Both of them were great guys. I've been really tempted to have a few beers to ease the depression. My problem is that after a few beers I would go to hard liquor & be comotose for days. My last binge ended up in the ER with a bac of 4.6. I was lucky to survive. It was affecting my breathing. What's hard for me is that I'm all alone in this. I'm trying to hang on. Again, great job ! Mike

[mk7657]

Hi Mikes:

Research Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). When I did, it was one of those aha, now I see what is going on moments. It helps me when I understand that it is part of the healing process, and, alas, can linger for 6 months to 1.5 years.

My struggle is great also. I posted here a while back after about two weeks off of a nasty vicodin habit, feeling that "pink cloud feeling," then relapsing three times. I am currently clean and sober, but the lingering depression and fatigue is a grim reminder that I have a long way to go.

We share a similar past. My brother died of alcoholism at 25 and my grandmother died from benzo abuse at 72 (she was lucky).

I don't know much about the drug you are asking about, but I think that your questions have already been answered.

Stay strong,

MK (another mike)