Drugs Q & A

Does Cyclobenzaprine Show Up In a Drug Test?

A drug test looks for the presence of one or more illegal or prescription drugs in your urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat. Urine testing is the most common type of drug screening. A urine drug test, also known as a urine drug screen or a UDS, is a painless test. It analyzes your urine for the presence of certain illegal drugs and prescription medications.

A urine drug test can help a doctor detect potential substance abuse problems. After a drug test identifies drugs you may be misusing, doctors can help you start a treatment plan. Taking urine drug tests throughout substance abuse treatment helps to ensure that the plan is working and that you’re no longer taking drugs.

Your primary care doctor may order this test if he or she suspects you have a problem with drugs. An emergency room doctor may also request this test if you’re confused or your behavior seems strange or dangerous.

What is Cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine is a central nervous system (CNS) muscle relaxant intended for short-term use in the treatment of pain, tenderness, and limitation of motion caused by muscle spasms. Amrix, Fexmid, Flexeril, and FusePaqTabradol are the most common Cyclobenzaprine brands.

 Cyclobenzaprine may enhance the effects of other CNS depressants including alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and narcotics and anecdotal reports indicate it is used non-medically to induce euphoria and relaxation. Despite reports of abuse, the DEA says cyclobenzaprine is not currently controlled under the Controlled Substances Act.

Does Cyclobenzaprine Show Up In a Drug Test?

No, cyclobenzaprine does not show up on drug tests because it is not a controlled substance nor any part of routine drug testing panels. However, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine are known to cause false-positive tricyclic antidepressant toxic screen results.

The only way cyclobenzaprine can be directly tested would be to send a sample of blood, urine, or hair to a reference lab to have it checked. This is unlikely unless it is either suspected of being abused in which case it would give a positive test result. Anecdotal reports found on the Internet suggest that individuals are taking cyclobenzaprine alone or in combination with other illicit drugs to produce or enhance psychoactive effects.

Cyclobenzaprine is structurally and pharmacologically related to tricyclic antidepressants. Among the most dreaded toxicities linked with cyclical antidepressants, overdoses affect fast-acting sodium channels in the cardiac conduction system.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

•        Clumsiness or unsteadiness

•        confusion

•        fainting

•        mental depression

•        problems in urinating

•        ringing or buzzing in the ears

•        skin rash, hives, or itching occurring without other symptoms of an allergic reaction listed above

•        unusual thoughts or dreams

•        yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

•        Convulsions (seizures)

•        drowsiness (severe)

•        dry, hot, flushed skin

•        fast or irregular heartbeat

•        hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

•        increase or decrease in body temperature

•        troubled breathing

•        unexplained muscle stiffness

•        unusual nervousness or restlessness (severe)

•        vomiting (occurring together with other symptoms of overdose).

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

•        Blurred vision

•        dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness

•        dryness of the mouth

Less common or rare

•        Bloated feeling or gas, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, or stomach cramps or pain

•        constipation

•        diarrhea

•        excitement or nervousness

•        frequent urination

•        general feeling of discomfort or illness

•        headache

•        muscle twitching

•        numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

•        pounding heartbeat

•        problems in speaking

•        trembling

•        trouble sleeping

•        unpleasant taste or other taste changes

•        unusual muscle weakness

•        unusual tiredness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Dr. Oche Otorkpa PG Cert, MPH, PhD

Dr. Oche is a seasoned Public Health specialist who holds a post graduate certificate in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, an MPH, and a PhD both from Texila American University. He is a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK. He authored two books: "The Unseen Terrorist," published by AuthorHouse UK, and "The Night Before I Killed Addiction."
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