Is Tizanidine Addictive? Effects, Withdrawal & Addiction

Is Tizanidine Addictive?

Tizanidine is a medication prescribed to patients who suffer from muscle spasms due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, an injury to the spinal cord, or other neurological disorders. The muscles are allowed to relax, and there is a reduction in the number of excessive muscle contractions. Although it is not considered a high potential for abuse and is not categorized as a controlled substance, some people are curious whether tizanidine can become addictive.

Is Tizanidine Addictive? When taken exactly as directed by a qualified medical professional, tizanidine is not known to have addictive potential. It does not produce the same euphoric high typically associated with addictive drugs like opioids or stimulants. This is because it does not contain any of those substances. However, due to the sedative properties of tizanidine, there is a possibility that some users will develop a psychological dependence on the substance.

Someone can experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking Tizanidine after long-term use, particularly if they have been taking doses higher than recommended. Anxiety, tremors, high blood pressure, a racing heart rate, and muscle stiffness are all potential withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, it is essential to wean yourself off the medication in a controlled manner under the supervision of a medical professional.

It is essential to keep in mind that tizanidine can affect the way other substances, such as alcohol, work in the body, which can increase the likelihood of unwanted side effects. Combining Tizanidine with alcohol or other substances that affect the central nervous system can result in the development of adverse side effects as well as complications that could pose a threat to the user’s life.

What is Tizanidine Addiction

Tizanidine addiction refers to developing a psychological or physical dependence on the medication Tizanidine. Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant medication typically prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms and associated pain caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or other neurological disorders.

Can You Get Addicted to Tizanidine?

Are Tizanidine addictive? While Tizanidine is not considered to be a highly addictive substance, it has the potential to be abused or misused due to its sedative effects. It works by acting on the central nervous system and suppressing nerve impulses that cause muscle spasms, resulting in feelings of relaxation and drowsiness. Individuals who abuse Tizanidine may take higher doses than prescribed or use the medication in ways other than intended, such as crushing and snorting the tablets to achieve a more intense and immediate effect.

Over time, repeated Tizanidine use can lead to the development of tolerance, where the body requires higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effects. Dependence can also develop with prolonged use, where the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop taking the medication or significantly reduce their dose. In severe cases, Tizanidine addiction can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making quitting challenging without professional help.

Learn More:

• Mixing Tizanidine and Alcohol Interactions, Side Effects & Death Risks
• Muscle Relaxers Side Effects, Types, & Risks. What Do Muscle Relaxers Do? Prescription Muscle Relaxers Compared.
  • Prescription Pill Detox & Medications

14.5 Million

Americans aged 12 or older misusing prescription drugs, including muscle relaxants like Tizanidine.

Source: NIDA

20 to 36mg

 Addiction happens when this is the daily average dose of an individual

Source: CDC

5.4%

Represents approximately 5.4% of the population in this age group.

Source: NIDA

Tizanidine Addiction Symptoms

Is Tizanidine addictive? The symptoms of Tizanidine addiction can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the addiction. Some common symptoms of Tizanidine addiction may include the following:

• Cravings: A strong desire to use Tizanidine, even when unnecessary.
• Tolerance: The need to take increasing amounts of Tizanidine to achieve the desired effect.
• Dependence: A physical or psychological reliance on Tizanidine.
• Withdrawal symptoms: When an addicted person stops using Tizanidine, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, muscle pain, and seizures.
• Neglecting responsibilities: An addicted person may neglect their work, school, or personal responsibilities to obtain and use Tizanidine.
• Social isolation: An addicted person may avoid social situations or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
• Continuing to use despite negative consequences: An addicted person may continue to use Tizanidine, even if it is causing negative consequences in their life, such as legal problems or relationship issues.

Remember that these Tizanidine addiction symptoms may also be present in individuals who are not addicted to Tizanidine but are taking it as prescribed. It is essential to use Tizanidine only as directed by a healthcare professional to avoid the risk of addiction.

Tizanidine Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

Can you become addicted to Tizanidine? Here are some potential Tizanidine addiction withdrawal symptoms:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Insomnia.
• Sweating.
• Headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle pain and stiffness.
• Tremors or seizures.
• Rapid heartbeat.

Tizanidine Addiction Medically Assisted Detox

Medical detox is the initial phase of treating drug addiction and typically involves managing withdrawal. However, it doesn’t address the underlying behavior and thought patterns contributing to substance abuse. To achieve long-term recovery, receiving ongoing support from various treatment approaches and settings beyond detox is important.

During detox, experiencing cravings is a frequent occurrence that can increase the risk of relapse. Inpatient treatment with constant medical care can help prevent relapse by providing the necessary medication and medical expertise to mitigate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Clinicians can also offer guidance and support to help individuals manage their addiction and maintain sobriety.

Tizanidine and Alcoholism Treatment

Alcohol and muscle relaxants combined form co-occurring substance abuse. Substance abuse requires the strongest treatment possible: specialized addiction treatment. A credible treatment program will begin with medical detox, during which the body is cleansed of alcohol and tizanidine, and the withdrawal symptoms are managed with safe medications. You will have a medical evaluation to determine whether you require any medical attention, and you will be monitored closely to ensure a secure and safe detox.

When used with alcohol, tizanidine poses a serious risk of death and can have negative side effects. The detox process from prescription medications can be difficult and painful without medical assistance. However, detox is a necessity for continuing treatment. We Level Up NJ provides the necessary care to aid you through our medication-assisted treatment program, with a 24-hour medical team on call. Call us if you’d like to talk with one of our counseling experts. Our therapists will answer your questions as they are aware of your situation.