Zanaflex or Tizanidine:
It is a muscle relaxant that can be used to treat spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. To relax muscles, it works by blocking motor nerve signals. You can take it as a tablet of 2 mg or 4 mg every 6-8 hours.
Side effects:
Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, strange dreams, depression, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, heartburn, increased muscle spasms, back pain, rash, sweating, and a tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Zanaflex was approved for medical use in the United States in 1996 and it is available as a generic medication.
Pros and Cons of Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Pros:
- Works very quickly
- It is available as an affordable generic
- Tablets can be broken in half or crushed if necessary.
- Capsules are open and sprinkled over applesauce
- Only as required and will still work
- There are many strengths to choose from, so you can alter your dose more easily
Cons:
- Could cause low blood pressure and even falls
- It isn’t recommended to take fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin.
- The sudden stoppage can trigger withdrawal symptoms.
- Foods have a huge influence on the way tizanidine (Zanaflex) is absorbed, so you must be consistent in using it either with as well as without.
- People who have kidney or liver issues and those older than 65 are at a higher risk of developing negative side negative effects.
What are the potential Risks and Warnings with the drug Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) may cause certain health issues that are serious. The risk could be higher for certain populations. If you’re concerned about this discussion with your physician or pharmacist to discuss other options
- LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
- LIVER DAMAGE
- EFFECT ON DRIVING AND CONCENTRATION
- HALLUCINATIONS
- MULTIPLE DRUG INTERACTIONS
- ALLERGIC REACTIONS
- KIDNEY PROBLEMS
- WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
Takeaway:
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat rigid, stiff muscles. It’s particularly effective for the nervous system and spinal diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
COMMON BRANDS
Zanaflex
DRUG CLASS
Adrenergic receptor antagonist Alpha-2
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CLASSIFICATION
Not a controlled medicine
GENERIC STATUS
Generics with lower cost are readily accessible
AVAILABILITY
Prescription-only
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