Zanaflex (Tizanidine)

Description

Zanaflex is a type of muscle relaxant drug that works in the short term and blocks off all impulses related to pain that the nervous system is sending to the brain.

 

Drug Information

 

Zanaflex is used in the treatment of muscle spasms because it can relax the tone of the muscles and therefore lessen the stress placed on the muscle tissue. This is only temporary.

 

This is a short term medication that only lasts for about a day or two. It should be taken when the day is going to involve participation in physical activities which require no spasticity of the muscles.

 

Precautions

 

If you are currently on a course of treatment that contains Luvox (main ingredient: fluvoxamine), an antidepressant, you should not take Zanaflex at the same time.

 

Refrain from taking Zanaflex in conjunction with ciprofloxacin (Cipro), an antibiotic.

 

If you need your muscle tone for some activities that call for good balance, do not take Zanaflex.

 

Do not use if you are allergic to the main ingredient, tizanidine, and tell your doctor if you have blood pressure problems, hepatic or renal disorders and Long QT syndrome.

 

Zanaflex might harm an unborn child, so tell your doctor about any current or planned pregnancy if you are going to be prescribed this medication.

 

The tendency of Zanaflex to pass into breast milk is unknown, and neither is its effect on a nursing baby. Do not use if you are a nursing mother unless your doctor approves.

 

Alcohol will cause a significant increase in the risk of contracting side effects from Zanaflex.

 

Avoid alcohol when on Zanaflex because it will impair your vision and thinking processes. Do not drive while on this medicine.

 

Dosage

 

Always take Zanaflex exactly as your doctor tells you to. Do not deviate from the prescription in any way. Do not take this medication for longer than you have been told to.

 

Never take Zanaflex in larger doses than your doctor has told you to, or in smaller ones. Your doctor may choose to change your dosage based on your reaction to treatment.

 

Always take the pill with a glass of water. Don’t attempt to dry swallow.

 

Since it is a fast acting method of medication, you will see relief in the first few hours after taking it. Only use it if you are going to participate in an activity that requires zero spasticity.

 

A maximum of 3 doses a day, separated by 6 or 8 hours, is recommended and allowed.

 

There are pills and capsules for this drug. Do not switch between them on a whim, and never change how you take the pill in relation to your mealtimes. Switching things up in this way can cause the incidence of side effects to increase, and also may reduce how effective the medication is in general.

 

Never take over 3 doses a day. Overdoses may lead to liver damage.

 

If you miss a dose of Zanaflex, take it as soon as you remember. If you are about to take the next dose, skip the one you missed and forget about it.

 

Do not take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed. This can lead to an overdose, which can cause liver damage and even death.

 

If you overdose, call your local emergency medical services immediately.

 

Side Effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Dizziness
 Drowsiness
 Anxiety
 Numbness
 Diarrhea or constipation
 Fever
 Dryness of the mouth
 Muscle weakness
 Rash

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Lightheadedness
 Fainting
 Slow pulse
 Hallucinating
 Confusion
 Painful urination
 Jaundice

 

Call your doctor if you feel these side effects.

 

Interactions

 

Do not take while taking cold medicine, anti-allergy pills, sleeping pills, other anti-spastics or narcotic medication.