Anyone tried to stop FLEXERIL after long term use?

[Sassisu]

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

[greatgrammy]

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.  

[sundays411]

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.

[kee683]

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

[graceyjane11]

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.

[graceyjane11]

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.

[graceyjane11]

This was in reply to your comment  "I don't think that Flexeril can be compared to the trycylics, not even close".