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What is Skelaxin
 Skelaxin
is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses
(or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
Skelaxin
is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries
and other painful muscular conditions.
Skelaxin
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Skelaxin
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.
Who should not take Skelaxin
Do not take Skelaxin if you have acute intermittent
porphyria.
Before taking Skelaxin, tell your doctor
if you have liver disease. You may need a lower dose or
special monitoring during your therapy.
It is not
known whether Skelaxin will harm an unborn baby. Do not
take Skelaxin without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant.
It is also not known whether Skelaxin
passes into breast milk. Do not take Skelaxin without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Skelaxin is not approved for use in children younger
than 12 years of age.
How should take Skelaxin Take Skelaxin 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 Skelaxin at
room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a 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.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Skelaxin overdose are unknown but might include low
blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), nausea,
severe drowsiness, decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.
Avoid while taking Skelaxin 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.
Possible side effects of Skelaxin If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Skelaxin 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 Skelaxin 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.
What other drugs will affect Skelaxin 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. |
