Skelaxin®
The following information is a summary. It is
not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Skelaxin - Uses
This medication is a muscle relaxant. It works
by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations)
that are sent to your brain. Metaxalone is used,
along with rest and physical therapy, to treat
injuries and other painful muscular conditions.
Metaxalone may also be used for purposes other
than those listed in this medication guide.
Skelaxin - Side
Effects
If you experience any of the following serious
side effects, stop taking metaxalone 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 metaxalone 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.
Skelaxin - Directions
Take medication 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 metaxalone at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
Skelaxin - Precautions
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.
Skelaxin - Drug
Interactions
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
Skelaxin - Missed
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.
Skelaxin - If You
Take Too Much
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of
an overdose are unknown but might include low
blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion),
nausea, severe drowsiness, decreased breathing,
and unconsciousness. |
