Skelaxin
Skelaxin - Uses
This medication is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or
pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Metaxalone is used, along with
rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular
conditions. Metaxalone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide.
Skelaxin - Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
metaxalone and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives); or yellow skin or eyes. Other, less serious side effects may be
more likely to occur. Continue to take metaxalone and talk to your doctor if you
experience drowsiness or dizziness; headache, nervousness, or irritability; or
nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting. 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.
Skelaxin - Directions
Take medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Store metaxalone at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
Skelaxin - Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Skelaxin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol
may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Skelaxin.
Skelaxin - Drug Interactions
Many drugs can increase the effects of Skelaxin, which can lead to heavy
sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any
of the following medicines: antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane,
Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine
(Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others; narcotics (pain killers) such
as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon,
Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan),
fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and
secobarbital (Seconal); phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon),
prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine);
or antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline
(Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Drugs other than
those listed here may also interact with Skelaxin. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines
Skelaxin - Missed Dose
You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next
regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Skelaxin - If You Take Too Much
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose are unknown but might
include low blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), nausea, severe
drowsiness, decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.