Zanaflex®
The following information is a summary. It is
not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Zanaflex - Uses
This medication is a muscle relaxant. It works
by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations)
that are sent to your brain. It is used to treat
increased muscle tone associated with spasticity.
It may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
Zanaflex - Side
Effects
If you experience any of the following serious
side effects, stop taking this medication 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 this medication 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.
Zanaflex - Directions
Take this medication 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. This medication 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.
Zanaflex - Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. This
medication 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 this medication. Do not take
any other medicine during treatment with this
medication without first talking to your doctor
or pharmacist.
Zanaflex - Drug
Interactions
This medication 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 this
medication. Tell your doctor if you are taking
birth control pills before starting treatment
with this medication. This medication 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 this medication. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Zanaflex - Missed
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.
Zanaflex - If You
Take Too Much
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of
an overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness
and irregular breathing.
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