Description
Indications
Tizanidine belongs to the class of medications referred to as skeletal muscle relaxants and is primarily used to alleviate the spasms and increased muscle tone resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, or brain or spinal injury. Tizanidine works by decreasing brain and nervous system activity to facilitate muscle relaxation.
Uses and Dosage
Tizanidine is available in tablet and capsule form for oral administration. It is typically taken two or three times per day with or without food. Follow the prescription label instructions precisely. Do not alter the dosage or frequency of administration unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
It may be possible to open tizanidine capsules and sprinkle the contents on soft foods, such as applesauce. Discuss this approach with your physician since the effects of the medication may differ from those observed when swallowing the capsule whole.
Tizanidine capsules and tablets differ in their absorption rates, so one form cannot substitute for the other. Each time you refill your prescription, double-check the medication in the bottle to ensure that you have received the correct product. If you have any concerns regarding your medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist without delay.
Your physician will most likely initiate you on a low dosage of tizanidine and gradually increase it based on your response.
Do not discontinue taking tizanidine without first consulting your physician. Abruptly stopping tizanidine may result in faster heart rate, increased blood pressure, or muscle tightness. Your doctor will likely decrease your dosage progressively.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- weakness
- nervousness
- depression
- vomiting
- tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet
- dry mouth
- constipation
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- increased muscle spasms
- back pain
- rash
- sweating
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- nausea
- extreme tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- unexplained flu-like symptoms
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist
- slow heartbeat
- changes in vision
Caution
Prior to taking tizanidine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies, including to this medication or other substances. This product might contain inactive ingredients that could lead to allergic responses or other complications.
Before utilizing this drug, share your medical history with your physician or pharmacist, particularly if you have low blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver disease.
This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana may increase these sensations. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or performing any activities requiring vigilance until you can do so safely.
Older individuals may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, particularly dizziness and drowsiness. These effects could increase the risk of falling.
This medication should only be used during pregnancy when absolutely required. Consult with your doctor regarding the potential risks and advantages.
It is unknown whether this medication is excreted in breast milk. Prior to nursing, consult your doctor.
Form and Strength
Zanaflex is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Zanaflex tablet:
- 2mg
-
tizanidine tablet:
- 2mg
- 4mg
FAQ
Is Zanaflex good for anxiety?
Anxiety treatment is not one of the primary Zanaflex uses, but the drug can still be useful for managing the condition due to its sedative effects.
How long does pain relief from Zanaflex last?
The effects of Zanaflex peak within 1-2 hours and start to wear off within 3 to 6 hours.
Resources
- https://addictionresource.com/drugs/tizanidine-zanaflex/uses/#:~:text=Anxiety%20treatment%20is%20not%20one,anxiety%20can%20help%20one%20relax
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601121.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14706/zanaflex-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs./tizanidine./drg-20066921?p=1
- https://www.drugs.com/zanaflex.html#:~:text=Zanaflex%20is%20a%20short%2Dacting,by%20temporarily%20relaxing%20muscle%20tone