The Zanaflex is primarily used to treat spasticity, a motor disorder, temporarily relaxing muscle tone.
What is Tizanidine?
Tizanidine works by blocking nerve impulses that transmit pain signals to the brain.
How is Tizanidine taken?
Tizanidine is taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules.
Side effects of Tizanidine
Tizanidine can damage the liver.
Other possible side effects include:
- drowsiness or dizziness
- anxiety or nervousness
- numbness or tingling
- stomach pain, diarrhea , constipation, vomiting
- temperature
- dry mouth
- muscle weakness, back pain
- increased muscle tone or spasms
- sweating or rash
It is good to contact a doctor immediately in case of:
- rash
- urticaria
- itch
- breathing difficulties
- feeling of tightness in the chest
- swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- feeling light-headed, fainting, slow heart rate
- hallucinations, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior
- nausea , stomach pain, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine , clay-colored stools, yellowing of the skin
- burning or pain when urinating
Warnings on the use of Tizanidine
Tizanidine is a fast-acting drug: it should be taken only when it is necessary to relieve muscle spasms for daily activities. It should never be taken more than 3 times a day. In addition, it must be remembered that replacing the type of drug (capsule, tablet ..) or changing the way you take it can lead to an increase in side effects or to its lesser efficacy.
Treatment is not indicated if Fluvoxamine or Ciprofloxacin is already being taken .
In some situations, reducing muscle tone can endanger the subject. It should also not be forgotten that some drugs, such as others that have a relaxing action or that cause sleep (narcotics), as well as alcohol, can increase the thiazinadine-induced sleepiness.
Taking the drug may impair your ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery , while discontinuing treatment may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Before taking Tizanidine it is important to tell your doctor:
- of allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to other drugs or foods;
- the medicines, phytotherapy and supplements taken , citing in particular Aciclovir, Cimetidine, Famotidine, Ticlopidine, Zileuton, birth control pills, antibiotics, high blood pressure drugs or medicines against heart rhythm abnormalities;
- if you suffer (or have suffered) from liver or kidney disease , high or low blood pressure or prolongation of the QT interval (time required for the ventricles of the heart to contract);
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .
