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 prescription or over-the-counter medicines.