Zanaflex
Zanaflex - Uses
This medication is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or
pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. It is used to treat increased
muscle tone associated with spasticity. It may also be used for purposes other
than those listed in this medication guide.
Zanaflex - Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking this
medication 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 this medication 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 - Directions
Take this medication 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. This medication 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 of this medication can damage your liver.
Zanaflex - Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. This medication 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 this medication. Do not
take any other medicine during treatment with this medication without first
talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Zanaflex - Drug Interactions
This medication 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
this medication. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills before
starting treatment with this medication. This medication 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 this medication. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Zanaflex - Missed Dose
Take the missed dose 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 this medication.
Zanaflex - If You Take Too Much
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose are not well known but
include unconsciousness and irregular breathing