About Skelaxin
Skelaxin is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain
of muscle injuries, spasms, sprains, and strains. Skelaxin 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 Skelaxin,
as this may result in further injury and a prolonged recovery time.
Skelaxin is only available by prescription. Use only as much,
and only as often, as suggested by your doctor.
Skelaxin Side Effects
Mild Skelaxin Side Effects: Blurred or double vision, clumsiness,
dizziness, drowsiness, faintness, 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, flushing, headache,
heartburn, hiccups, insomnia, irritability, irritable bowel, weakness.
Serious Skelaxin Side Effects: Bloody urine, bloody or black
stools, chills, cough, depression, difficult urination, difficulty
breathing, eyes that are red, bloodshot, or stinging, fainting,
fast breathing, fever, hives, itching, paradoxical muscle cramping,
racing heartbeat or tightness in the chest, rash, sore throat, sores
in mouth, stuffy nose, swelling around eyes, swollen or tender glands,
unusual fatigue, unusual weakness, vomiting bloody or black material,
yellow eyes or skin. These side effects range from uncommon to rare,
but should you experience any of them while taking Skelaxin, contact
your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.
Cautions: This medication may not be an appropriated treatment
for all individuals, or your doctor may want to take certain precautions
while you are using Skelaxin. Be especially sure to discuss such
considerations with your doctor if you have a history of any of
the following:
- Allergies: If you have ever had an allergic reaction
to Skelaxin or another skeletal muscle relaxant, be sure to inform
your doctor. This medication may not be right for you.
- Blood disease caused by reaction to a medication: This
condition may be worsened.
- Diabetes: Skelaxin can cause false results in certain
urine tests for sugar levels. Inform laboratory personnel or your
doctor in advance of a test.
- Epilepsy: Related drugs have been known to cause convulsions.
Though the risk of Skelaxin causing a convulsion is extremely
small, there is the potential that drugs of the same class can
cause similar reactions.
- History of drug abuse or dependence: While Skelaxin 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.
- 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.
- Porphyria: This is not a safe medication for porphyria,
you will need to use another treatment.
Skelaxin Interactions
As a central nervous system depressant, Skelaxin (metaxalone) 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 metaxalone.
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 metaxalone.
- 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 metaxalone 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 metaxalone.
- Norflex (orphenadrine)
- Risk of oversedation.
- Sedatives like Butalbital, Fioricet
(butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal,
Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates may cause oversedation
in combination with metaxalone.
- Skeletal muscle relaxants of any other type, such as Soma (carisoprodol),
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 metaxalone.
- 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 metaxalone.
- Ultram (tramadol) - This
pain reliever may oversedate you if taken in combination with
metaxalone.
Skelaxin Dosages
The Skelaxin brand of metaxalone comes in 400 mg scored, pink tablets.
The general dosage for individuals over 12 years of age is two tablets
3-4 times daily, as needed. Do not exceed your doctor's dosage guidelines,
or take double doses of this medication.
Skelaxin Directions
Store Skelaxin 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 Skelaxin away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding
any unused medication.
Skelaxin 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.
Skelaxin and Pregnancy
Skelaxin has not been tested for safety in pregnant women. For
these reasons, this medication should not be prescribed to pregnant
women, or women who intend to become pregnant.
This medication also appears in breast milk and has not been studied
in nursing infants. It is not recommended for nursing mothers, as
it has not been shown to be safe for babies.
Skelaxin and Children
Skelaxin has not been tested for safety in children under 12.
Skelaxin and Seniors
Skelaxin 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 Skelaxin. 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.
Skelaxin is a trademark of Elan
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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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