Zanaflex
Key points
- ZANAFLEX reg; is a muscle relaxant that is used to treat muscle spasms.
- Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant that is used to treat muscle spasms.
- Do not stop taking Zanaflex or change the dose without checking with your health care provider.
- Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, unusual weakness or dry mouth might occur.
ZANAFLEX reg; is a muscle relaxant that is used to treat muscle spasms. Zanaflex reg; works by blocking nerve impulses.
Zanaflex Usage
Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant that is used to treat muscle spasms. Zanaflex works by blocking nerve impulses.
How To Take Zanaflex
Take Zanaflex with or without food. Do not stop taking Zanaflex or change the dose without checking with your health care provider. Your Zanaflex dosage will probably need to be adjusted by your doctor initially to achieve satisfactory results. Follow directions exactly.
Zanaflex Side Effects
Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, unusual weakness or dry mouth might occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor. To minimize dizziness, stand up slowly when arising from a sitting or lying position. Notify your doctor if you develop: yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, hallucinations. Very unlikely but report: vision or hearing changes, urinary frequency or burning, slow or irregular heartbeat, black stool. An allergic reaction to Zanaflex is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions for Zanaflex
Before taking Zanaflex, tell your doctor if you have: any allergies, low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease. Limit the use of alcohol since it may intensify the dizziness and drowsiness effects of Zanaflex. Use caution when driving or operating machinery or when alertness is required. Zanaflex should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into human milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when Zanaflex is used in the elderly.
Zanaflex Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may take, especially of: blood pressure drugs (e.g., water pills, clonidine, methyldopa, guanabenz, guanfacine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid, furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline), sleep medicines, sedatives (e.g., diazepam), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), other muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine), certain antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline, trazodone), phenothiazine psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine), birth control pills. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.

