Zanaflex
Zanaflex is a
muscle relaxant
medication which works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations)
that are sent to your brain. Zanaflex is used to treat increased muscle tone
associated with spasticity.
Uses of Zanaflex
Zanaflex is a
muscle relaxant medication.
Zanaflex works by blocking nerve impulses (or
pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Zanaflex is used to treat
increased muscle tone associated with spasticity. Zanaflex may also be used
for purposes other than those listed here.
Zanaflex Directions
Take Zanaflex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Zanaflex is usually taken
several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not take more
than three doses of Zanaflex--or more than 36 mg--in 24 hours. Too much
Zanaflex can damage your liver.
Zanaflex Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
Zanaflex and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives); hallucinations or abnormal behavior; or liver
damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort,
unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Zanaflex and talk to
your doctor if you experience drowsiness or dizziness; weakness; dry mouth;
increased muscle tone or spasms; or sweating. Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that
seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Zanaflex Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Zanaflex may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience
drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is most likely to
occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent
dizziness and a possible fall. Use caution with alcohol, other muscle
relaxants, sleep or anxiety medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may
increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zanaflex. Do not take
any other medicine during treatment with
Zanaflex without first talking to
your doctor or pharmacist.
Zanaflex Drug Interactions
Zanaflex may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat
insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell
your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any
medicine unless your doctor approves. Birth control pills can increase the
effects of Zanaflex. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills
before starting treatment with
Zanaflex. Zanaflex may lower blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if you are taking another medicine to lower blood pressure
or a medicine to treat another heart condition. Drugs other than those
listed here may also interact with
Zanaflex. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed Dose of Zanaflex
Take the missed dose of Zanaflex as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of Zanaflex.
Zanaflex Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose are not well known
but include unconsciousness and irregular breathing.
