Zanaflex - A muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms

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By - 2006-01-12
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How to Use Zanaflex

Take as directed. Your dosage will probably need to be adjusted by your doctor initially to achieve satisfactory results. Follow directions exactly.

Zanaflex Side Effects

Nausea

drowsiness

dizziness

constipation

unusual weakness or dry mouth might occur.

If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor.

To minimize dizziness, stand up slowly when arising from a sitting or lying position.

Notify your doctor if you develop:

yellowing skin or eyes

stomach pain

vomiting

hallucinations

Very unlikely but report:

vision or hearing changes

urinary frequency or burning

slow or irregular heartbeat

black stool

An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include

rash

itching

dizziness

trouble breathing

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Zanaflex Precautions

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have:

any allergies

low blood pressure

liver or heart disease

kidney disease

eye disease

Limit the use of alcohol as alcohol may intensify the dizziness and drowsiness effects of this drug.

Use caution when driving or operating machinery or when alertness is required.

Zanaflex should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into human milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may take, especially of:

blood pressure drugs (e.g., water pills, clonidine, methyldopa, guanabenz, guanfacine)

MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid, furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline)

sleep medicines, sedatives (e.g., diazepam)

tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine)

barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)

certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)

other muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine)

certain antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline, trazodone)

phenothiazine psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine)

birth control pills

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Zanaflex Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include trouble breathing or unconsciousness.