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What is Zanaflex
 Zanaflex
is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses
(or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
Zanaflex
is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity.
Zanaflex
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Zanaflex
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Zanaflex 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 Zanaflex.
Do not take any other medicine during treatment with Zanaflex
without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
What you should find out before taking Zanaflex Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you
- have liver disease,
- have kidney disease,
- have low blood pressure or are on medication to
treat high blood pressure; or
- are taking birth
control pills.
You may not be able to take Zanaflex,
or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during
treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Zanaflex is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that
it is not known whether Zanaflex will harm an unborn baby.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether
Zanaflex passes into breast milk. Do not take Zanaflex without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should take Zanaflex Take Zanaflex 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.
Zanaflex 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.
Store Zanaflex at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a 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.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Zanaflex overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness
and irregular breathing.
Avoid while taking Zanaflex Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Zanaflex 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 Zanaflex.
Do not take any other medicine during treatment with Zanaflex
without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects of Zanaflex If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Zanaflex 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 Zanaflex
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.
What other drugs will affect Zanaflex Zanaflex 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 Zanaflex.
Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills before
starting treatment with Zanaflex.
Zanaflex 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 Zanaflex.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
