About Norflex
Norflex is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain
of muscle injuries, spasms, sprains, and strains. This medication
does not act directly on tensed muscles, but works by calming the
central nervous system. Central nervous system depressants like
Norflex must be used cautiously, and should only be combined with
treatments (prescription or over the counter) approved by your doctor
as safe.
Norflex is recommended as a supplement to physical therapy, rest,
or other treatments your doctor may recommend, and it will not replace
these treatments. Do not overuse injured muscles while under the
effects of Norflex, as this may result in further injury and a prolonged
recovery time.
Norflex is only available by prescription, do not use with
alcohol, other sedatives, or over the counter or prescription
pain medications before speaking with your doctor.
Norflex Side Effects
Mild Norflex Side Effects: Blurred or double vision, clumsiness,
dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, or lightheadedness are the most
common side effects, but are not usually a cause for concern. Less
common, though not generally dangerous, side effects include abdominal
cramps, confusion, excitement or restlessness, headache, insomnia,
irritability, irritable bowel, itching, large pupils, weakness.
Serious Norflex Side Effects: Difficult urination, difficulty breathing,
eye pain, fainting, hallucination, hives, itching, paradoxical muscle
cramping, racing heartbeat or tightness in the chest, rash, sores
in mouth, stuffy nose, swelling around eyes, swollen or tender glands,
unusual bruising/bleeding, unusual weakness, white spots in or around
mouth, yellow eyes or skin. These side effects range from uncommon
to rare, but should you experience any of them while taking Norflex,
contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.
Cautions: Inform your doctor of any history, or current
presence of the following conditions. Dosing adjustments or alternate
treatments may be necessary. Norflex may not be right for everyone.
- Allergies: If you have ever had an allergic reaction
to Norflex or another skeletal muscle relaxant, be sure to inform
your doctor. This medication may not be right for you.
- Digestive disease including esophageal problems, intestinal
blockage, or ulcer: This condition may be worsened.
- Enlarged prostate: Side effects of Norflex may negatively
affect your condition.
- Glaucoma: Consult with your doctor, Norflex may not be
right for you.
- History of drug abuse or dependence: While Norflex may
produce mild physical withdrawal symptoms, it is not generally
a drug of abuse. Addiction prone individuals should still be cautious
with this treatment and discuss the issue with their doctors.
- Heart, Kidney, or Liver disease: Your doctor will determine
if this medication is safe for you depending on your condition,
but will likely suggest less frequent dosing if prescribed.
- Myasthenia Gravis: Norflex may exaggerate this condition,
consult with your doctor.
Norflex Interactions
As a central nervous system depressant, Norflex (orphenadrine) should
be combined carefully, if at all, with any product which causes
drowsiness. If you are taking any other medication, particularly
those listed below, speak to your doctor about potential interactions.
- Alcohol - Do not take alcohol while you are using orphenadrine.
There is an increased risk of side effects like drowsiness, unconsciousness,
or overdose.
- Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents,
and muscle relaxants) such as Ativan (lorazepam), Valium
(diazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Librium(chlordiazepoxide),
Xanax (alprazolam),
Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam), ProSom (estazolam),
Klonopin (clonazepam),
and others, should be used cautiously with orphenadrine.
- Central Nervous System Depressants - Any prescription medication,
over the counter medication, or herbal supplement that may cause
drowsiness. These medications should be used with caution while
taking orphenadrine as you may become oversedated. Consult your
doctor or pharmacist to be sure that your treatment is as safe
as possible.
- Desyrel (trazodone) - Risk of additive
CNS depression.
- Narcotic pain medication like Codeine, Demerol
(meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene),
Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine,
OxyContin (oxycodone),
Percocet (oxycodone and
acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine),
or Vicodin (hydrocodone and
acetaminophen), Vicoprofen (hydrocodone and ibuprofen) may
increase the central nervous system depressant effects of orphenadrine.
- Sedatives like Butalbital, Fioricet
(butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal, Phenobarbitol,
Seconal, or other barbiturates may cause oversedation in combination
with orphenadrine.
- Skeletal muscle relaxants such as Robaxin
(methocarbamol) or Flexeril
(cyclobenzaprine) may overly depress the central nervous system
when combined.
- Sleep medication like Ambien
(zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon),
or over the counter sleeping pills may cause oversedation when
combined with muscle relaxants.
- Tranquilizers like Haldol (haloperidol), Mellaril (thioridazine),
or Thorazine (chlorpromazine) could cause oversedation when mixed
with orphenadrine.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil
(amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine),
Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan (doxepin), Tofranil
(imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline), Vivactil (protriptyline),
and Surmontil (trimipramine), may increase the central nervous
system suppressant effects from either the antidepressant, or
the orphenadrine.
- Ultram (tramadol) - This pain reliever may oversedate you if
taken in combination with orphenadrine.
Norflex Dosages
Norflex is available in 350 mg tablets. The standard maximum guideline
for use is one tablet 3 times a day and at bedtime, or as needed.
Dosage should not generally exceed this guideline, and you shauld
not take double doses of Norflex. If your doctor has suggested a different
dosing schedule, follow the individual instructions you have been
given.
Norflex is effective for four to six hours, and the tablets should
generally not be taken closer together than this.
Norflex Directions
Store Norflex away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location;
avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where
it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Norflex away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding
any unused medication.
Norflex may cause drowsiness or disorientation, and you should familiarize
yourself with your reaction to it before engaging in potentially
hazardous activities. Be cautious if you plan to drive or operate
heavy machinery, avoid these activities if you find yourself feeling
tired or experience slowed reactions.
Norflex and Pregnancy
Norflex has not been tested for safety in pregnant women. Norflex also
appears in breast milk in higher concentrations than it appears
in the mother's blood. For these reasons, this medication is rarely
prescribed to pregnant women, and is not generally recommended for
nursing mothers, unless any risk to the child is clearly outweighed
by the benefits of the medication.
Norflex and Children
Norflex has not been tested for safety in children under 12.
Norflex and Seniors
Norflex has not been tested in older adults, and there is no information indicating that it works differently in seniors. However, as with other central nervous system depressants, seniors should be careful that they do not become oversedated or lose their balance while taking Norflex. Be sure to work out a medication schedule with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure that drug interactions and overlapping side effects are minimized.
Norflex is a trademark of 3M
Orphengesic is a trademark of Par Pharmaceutical
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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