Zanaflex Effects Facts

About Zanaflex Effects

Questions and Answers

What are some side effects of Zanaflex? I was prescribed Zanaflex for a pulled muscle in my back. Are there any side effects of Zanaflex? Is it considered stronger than Flexeril? Will it interact with the Ambien I take for insomnia?

sokokl replied: "From what I know about Zanaflex from those that have taken it it is as strong as Flexeril when it comes to side effects, one of them being drowsiness. It could possibly interact with your Ambien pre ion but I would recommend checking with your pharmacist as well as your doctor to see what they say."

Kate from Drugs.com replied: "These are the stated side effects of Zanaflex (Tizanidine) but some people might not experience any. Some may experience a few so it's really hard to say that you'll have these side effects. You only really find out once you take it. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: feeling light-headed, fainting, slow heart rate; hallucinations, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or burning or pain when you urinate. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as: drowsiness or dizziness; feeling anxious or nervous; numbness or tingling; stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting; fever; dry mouth; muscle weakness, back pain; increased muscle tone or spasms; or sweating or skin rash. Ambien (zolpidem) and zanaflex (tizanidine) have a moderate drug interaction. Sedation is a major side effect of tizanidine and may be potentiated by coadministration with other substances (such as zolpidem) that have central nervous system-depressant effects or that may commonly cause drowsiness."

What are Zanaflex side effects? I'm getting awful dreams, so I'm stopping it. It's for sleep. Sorry didn't mention it.

birdling1 replied: "what is it for?"

yer8up2 replied: "http://www.drugs.com/cons/zanaflex.html Side effects for me are that it makes me extremely tired and I have vivid dreams also but it does help my back pain. This is a pretty strong muscle relaxer, you may want to ask your Physician for something like Flexiril which is much milder. Oh, for sleep I would recommend asking your Doctor for Ambien...it works great, doesn't give me the dreams and doesn't cause that hangover feeling like most sleeping pills. :) Hope this helps! :)"

TX40 replied: "google it and find out exactly what it is. or call your pharmacist. the medication should have come with some information letting you know the side effects."

Has anyone taken Zanaflex? Did you have halucinations? Other side effects? TIA P.S. My last question was removed & I don't know why? I didn't do anything wrong.

ashleyligon1967 replied: "Here is a page for information, what was your last question? Post it again"

Atom replied: "You might see dizziness or lightheadedness, but should not see halucinations. What other medications are you taking? See your Doctor. Or, if that is not desirable, ask the Pharmacist. That is what they are there for."

Has anyone tried the medication Zanaflex for muscle spasms? I have a large spasm in my back right now and my doctor gave me Zanaflex on friday. I haven't taken them yet cause I was just getting by with advil, but it's bad enough now that I think I'll start taking them. What are the side effects that can be expected? Thank You

pntup replied: "I have taken it before and it is strong however when i took it I was so bad off I had to take painkillers as well but it worked. I have taken it since then when I wasn't that bad and it knocks me out. Make sure you don't have to drive."

Doc8 replied: "Muscle flacidity, mental incapacity. It should be used only as directed and not with driving or other skilled activities."

VICTORIA L replied: "I have a for 2mg Zanaflex and they are pretty strong.......................but they DO work just take time out before you take it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like no driving .............try to take a nap for 2 or 3 hrs and you'll feel much better. Only thing i noticed was that it leaves a funky taste in your mouth!!!!!!!!!"

Does anyone have any information on Zanaflex? Has it worked for you? Will it make me tired? Common side effects? (I am taking it for Fibromyalgia) Thanks!

tamumd replied: "save your money- but it shouldn't make you sleepy"

Courtney L replied: "www.drugs.com/zanaflex.html Zanaflex tizanidine (tye ZA ni dine) What is the most important information I should know 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 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. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider 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 I 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. What happens if I 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 I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Zanaflex overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness and irregular breathing. What should I 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. What are the 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 pre ion or over-the-counter medicines. Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist has additional information about Zanaflex written for health professionals that you may read. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist."

samantha replied: "you may be able to find information about it on WebMD.com. There are also several other sites that offer info on pre ion meds and some even let users of the meds enter their own story about them. Good luck! Just remember - all drugs do not work the same for everyone, side effects, etc."

ricochet replied: "Its called Tizanidine (Systemic) by the medical profession. Zanaflex is the US brand-name. See link to Mayo Clinic page."

TechnoMom replied: "I've taken Zanaflex (Tizanidine) three times a day for about a year now. There was another one that worked a bit better for me, but I've gone blank on its name (thanks, fibro fog!) and pain management specialist refused to give me a pre ion for it (the rheumatologist had me on it before) because of an addition risk. (I find that hilarious - the pain management specialist has me on two different forms of morphine!) Anyway, Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant, as you probably know. If you have problems with muscle spasms and tightness, it may help you. If you don't, it won't do much good for you. It isn't a pain reliever in and of itself. It can cause drowsiness, according to the prescribing information, but after the first few days it hasn't done so for me. I was having really bad muscle spasms, so a muscle relaxant was vital. Good luck!"

Questions about Zanaflex, a muscle relaxer for spinal cord injuries.? Hi everyone! I was prescribed Zanaflex for twitching and muscle spasms throughout my body after a back and neck injury. I've taken it before in 2, 4, and 6mg doses with little to no effect. So, my neurologist upped my dose to 8mg. Well, I took it for the first time last night and I'm having 2 odd symptoms: blurry vision and a weird bladder pain/sensation. I get blurry vision regardless because of the nerve damage in my neck, but it seems slightly worse. Could this be caused by being extra tired or is it a serious side effect? Also, I think I read something a while ago about Zanaflex affecting your bladder. I have almost a UTI sensation (like I constantly have to urinate, even right after I go), and occasional sharp pains in my bladder. Then again, I also have bladder problems from this injury (only the sensation of having to go, not the pain), so I don't know what to think! Are these causes of concern? Did the Zanaflex exacerbate the problem? Thanks so much! Thanks for your reply! :) Tizanidine is the generic for Zanaflex though. hehe

Jamie T replied: "I can't answer your question about Zanaflex. However, I too have expereinced the same problem - muscle spasms throughout my body, following a neck injury. I take Tizanidine, and it has been extremely helpful. If you are not comfortable with the pre ion that you have, maybe you could ask your doctor about Tizanidine."

Donna L replied: "Yes what you described is listed as all the side effects. And being extra tired may make them even more noticeable. If you continue to have the problems call your nero. and let him or her know this. They may have to try a different medication. Good Luck"

mixing medications and their effects? well, i just read in the news that anna nichole son died from deadly mixture of zoloft, lexepro,and methadone. why would doc give him two meds for depression. I take lyrica for nerve pain. i was taking zanaflex (musle relaxant) and i take over counter decongestant, claritin, and nasonex does any one know about meds... and can tell me if this is okay

mary r replied: "I take 5 different meds for my depression. Mine is so severe that no one medicine can do it all. I have one doctor that I see monthly to monitor my dose. Anna Nicholes son died of methadone not antidepressants."

smoochy replied: "you know what..i had the same reaction you did lol. i was wondering y they gave him two antideppresants or if he just took them illegally. b/c i take effexor and xanax and pre ion zyrtec for my anxiety depression and allergies....sometimes trazadone to sleep...now i'm wondering if i should be taking all this..i don't wannna die from it yanno? oh and another thing..i don't thing he died just from the methadone as said above..b/c thats actually prescribed very often."

pammie replied: "One dep. med for depression & the other for aniety. Saw a TV special (20/20)on Methadone. Methadone is killing some ppl. w/1 dose. A good druggist will tell you what you can take & not take together. Most of the time if you use the same drug store, the druggist will catch it when he's filling ur prescritions."

Mi H replied: "Most of these doctors dont know what they are doing anymore and they dont care either! I take most of them and you will be fine!"

beenthere replied: "Yes, just taking methadone kills people every day. It is such a problem that ABC news programs did a whole 15 minutes on it the other week. Barbara Walters was guest hosting. (http://www.tran s.tv/2020.cfm) ."One Pill that kills" Go to a drug checker web site and enter all of your meds and see if they react with each other. !-753261007?urlCache=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5tZWRzY2FwZS5jb20vZHJ1Z2luZm8vZHJ1Z2ludGVyY2hlY2tlcj9jaWQ9bWVkJm1vbm90eXBlPWRydWdpbnRlcmFjdGlvbnMmZHJ1Z2lkPSZkcnVnbmFtZT0= And talk to your doctor, before you stop any of them. A lot of people suffer from more than one type of anxiety and problem, so doctors prescribe multiple drugs. This is a common proactice. When they get to free with the medicine, it is time to look for a second opinion. Very few antidepressant were released for long term use. Many doctors are not heeding the drug companies warnings about slowly increasing and decreasing these drugs every 3-6 months. Another thing to worry about is when you are drugged out of your mind, should you really be dosing yourself? if you do, make sure you place the doses in daily reminders and do not take anymore or more often than described. Pu all over the counter drugs out of reach, so you have time to remember to check if it is safe to take them with the medicine you are on. it is very easy to forget you already took soemthing and overdose yourself. If you keep it up you could ruin your kidneys, liver, and other organs ... or you could die."

I have to have surgery on a ruptured disk in my lower back but I am only 30. Any advice on types available? I was involved in a car accident last November (Dumb @## ran a red light) and found out that I have 1 bulging disk, and 3 herniated disks. Well, the neurosurgeon recently told me that one of the disks are ruptured, which from what i take can be used interchangeably with the word herniation? Anyhow, the ruptured disc is now pinching my ciatic nerve and causing severe pain in my leg and groins. They put me on neurontin, percoset, zanaflex, and voltaren (not to mention the many stool softeners i take because of side effects from the percoset). I have also lost the reflex in my right leg, cannot lift it up much, and knee is weakening. So, they have recommended back surgery, but i am nervous because i am only 30 yrs old and have heard horror stories about back surgeries. Has anyone had a similiar experience or had a similiar surgery? What type of surgery do you recommend. My neurosurgeon does not recommend laser surgery, any advice on this?

MadforMAC replied: "Sorry about your accident. I would suggest you check into good physical therapy. I saw a program about the benefits of back surgery vs. physical therapy and the therapy worked out best and without the recovery time and stress to your body, not to mention the expense."

Diane D replied: "Sounds like you really do need surgery in order to take the pressure off the sciatic nerve. Find out about the exact operation the doctor is proposing and then get a second opinion. And remember that the operation to take the pressure off the nerve may do NOTHING to help any back pain but should help the leg pain and leg weakness."

jma replied: "My dad had the same thing and he ended up with the back surgery and they didn't do the laser. I would ask the surgeron straight up of how many he has done and the outlook of the ones he has done. My dad is better he can't lift as much anymore but at least he is not on all the meds. And just getting off the meds and the stool softners would be a plus as well."

Moi replied: "I have had that operation at 25 years old. Don't do it. There are many other treatments for a ruptured disk. Get advice from 4 other Dr.s before you make a decision. I made mine and I am sorry. I am now 56 yrs old. All those horrow stories you heard are true. Word of advice, don't take any drugs with narcotics in them, they will get you addicted in a very short time. They had me hooked and I landed up in the hospital going through withdrawls. The withdrawls were worst then the accident that started the problem. My life has never been the same since. I pray you don't go through what I went through."

pallavi replied: "Look surgery is the only solution to your problem but what i can sugest you is that you can try you surgery procedure done here in india and can save great amount of money. The servises like Hospitalization,Boarding, and lodging are of 5 % star category and secondly Dr's expertise over here is no less then any where else in the world. You can try the following link and see if it helps.www.healthcaretours.com"

andy s replied: "Two of my patients have got spinal surgery in India.One was treated for spondylolistheis by spinal fusion and the other for discectomy of herniated disc.Both of them are very happy with the results.Their pain and other symptoms due to nerve compression have totally gone. Spinal Surgery is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges spine surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.I have also read that they arrange financing for american and canadian patients as spine surgery is not covered by insurance.They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website. The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your spine surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.both my patients had gone to India through the forerunners healthcare company.i strongly recommend you to talk to this company,checkout your options with surgery from them. Your options for surgery- 1)discectomy 2)laminectomy 3)laminotomy 4)discectomy with disc replacement"