The effects of cyclobenzaprine and alcohol have been studied extensively in the past couple of decades. However, the research is still ongoing and some experts are questioning the validity of the findings, as these drugs only affect certain people.
Cyclobenzaprine was introduced in Germany in the early nineteen eighties and was approved by the FDA in 1985. It is a synthetic substance that is taken orally to treat depression. Although it is commonly used to treat depression, cyclobenzaprine also works on certain other health problems such as obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD, and bipolar disorder.
Clinical studies have shown that there is an increased risk of developing suicidal thoughts, mood changes, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction among persons who are treated with cyclobenzaprine. Alcohol has been known to increase the risks of stroke and coronary artery disease, so it is not surprising that alcohol abusers were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or depression after they started drinking. However, the researchers did not see any significant increase in suicidal thoughts or depression among patients who did not use alcohol.
A large number of clinical trials have been conducted using cyclobenzaprine and alcohol, but the results have been mixed. In most studies, cyclobenzaprine was found to be significantly more effective than alcohol. One study however, found that cyclobenzaprine was significantly less effective when compared with a placebo.
The main reasons why cyclobenzaprine and alcohol can not be considered the same drug is because alcohol acts as an anticholinergic and thus increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Anticholinergic drugs such as cyclobenzaprine should not be taken together with other anticholinergic drugs like antidepressants and tranquilizers. However, cyclobenzaprine and alcohol can be used together safely to treat depression.
Alcohol has not been proven to interact with cyclobenzaprine in any way, so the relationship between the two is not known. However, alcohol abuse is associated with a rise in suicidal thoughts and depression, so it is advisable for all users to limit their intake of alcohol or to take a special antidepressant medication when alcohol consumption is taken. Even if the relationship between cyclobenzaprine and alcohol is confirmed, doctors may not recommend alcohol as a treatment, but the choice between the two should still be left to the discretion of the patient’s doctor.
Cyclobenzaprine and alcohol, as well as any other treatment options, should be taken under the guidance of a physician. Doctors may prescribe specific medications that will be beneficial to the patient and may even recommend that one stop drinking alcohol altogether. But the choice between the two treatments should always be left up to the patients’ discretion. Also, patients should be aware that some side effects of alcohol can be similar to those of cyclobenzaprine.
Patients should discuss all of their options with their doctor before deciding to use cyclobenzaprine or any other substance for treating depression. If the patient decides to stop taking alcohol, he or she should remember to tell his or her doctor about the decision. Alcohol and cyclobenzaprine do not always go hand in hand and should not be used in conjunction. If possible, patients should try to avoid alcohol until the cyclobenzaprine therapy is complete.
