Zanaflex
Zanaflex: Oral Tablet
Zanaflex is an oral tablet. It is a prescription medication and is most commonly used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Zanaflex affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with chronic pain such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, or back aches caused by nerve damage.
- Description
- Additional Information
- Uses
- Interactions
- Side Effects
How to use Zanaflex
Take this medication by mouth, generally every 6 to 8 hours, as instructed by your doctor.
The dosage is determined by your medical condition, treatment response, and any other medications you may be taking. Inform your doctor and chemist about all of the goods you use (including prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements). To limit the possibility of side effects, your doctor may advise you to begin this medicine at a low dose and gradually increase it. Follow your doctor's advice exactly. Take no more than 36 milligram mes per day or more than three doses in a 24-hour period.
This drug will be absorbed differently by your body depending on whether you take it as a tablet or a capsule, whether you take it with food or on an empty stomach, and if you sprinkle the contents of the capsule on food. Discuss how to take this medication with your doctor to establish the best way to take your dose, especially if your dose is changing or if your doctor prescribes a different type of tizanidine (such as tablet or capsule).
If you stop taking this drug abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, tremor, elevated blood pressure/heart rate, and muscular tenseness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce your dose.
If you have been using tizanidine for a long period or in heavy dosages, you are more prone to have withdrawal symptoms. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, contact your doctor or chemist right away.
Zanaflex is used to treat muscle spasms/pain. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatment. It works by helping to relax the muscles. How to use Zanaflex
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Highlights for Zanaflex
- This drug is available as both a generic and brand-named drug. Brand-name: Robaxin.
- This drug also comes in an injectable solution that is only given by a healthcare provider.
- Zanaflex is used to treat muscle pain and stiffness.
Important warnings
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase the sedating effect of this drug. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor. Coordination and concentration: Zanaflex can impair your coordination and concentration. Do not take Zanaflex while operating heavy machinery or driving a motor vehicle until you know how it affects you.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including VMA or 5-HIAA urine screening test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, slow heartbeat, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, forgetfulness).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.