Zanaflex | Uses, Side Effects, & Warnings

Zanaflex is a brand name medication made with the generic drug tizanidine hydrochloride, a non-narcotic alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and skeletal muscle relaxant. It is similar but slightly stronger than baclofen.

Tizanidine is not listed as a controlled substance by the FDA/DEA, however it can be abused, usually in combination with other CNS depressant drugs. Zanaflex is only available from pharmacies with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Zanaflex Uses

Zanaflex is most commonly prescribed by doctors to treat intense and painful muscle spasms (muscle spasticity), cramping, and muscle tightness caused by medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injuries. 

As a skeletal muscle relaxant, Zanaflex can help relieve these symptoms to keep patients more comfortable and make physical therapy and other forms of treatment more effective.

The drug produces its effects by binding to specific nervous system receptors to slow down nerves in the brain and spinal column, leading to a reduction in muscle tone and muscle relaxation.

Potential off-label uses for Zanaflex include insomnia, migraine headaches, and back pain, though these uses are uncommon.

Zanaflex Dosage & Proper Use

A typical adult starting dosage of Zanaflex is one 2 mg capsule or tablet every 6-8 hours, though this may vary from patient to patient.

Zanaflex and any other medication containing tizanidine should only be used as directed by a licensed healthcare provider. 

Do not take more of this medication than prescribed and never take more than 36 milligrams or more than three doses in a 24-hour period as this may cause severe side effects.

Note that Zanaflex is relatively fast-acting, taking effect in only 1-2 hours after oral ingestion, with effects that last for around 6-8 hours total. 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible but do not take a double dose, skipping the missed dose and returning to your regular dosing schedule if they would be too close together.

Be sure to keep your medication closed and stored securely out of the reach of children in a room-temperature setting.

Side Effects Of Zanaflex

The most common side effects of tizanidine can include:

• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• constipation
• weakness
• tiredness

Accordingly, healthcare professionals will often direct patients to take a lower starting dose of Zanaflex and increase this gradually, allowing the body to adjust to the medication slowly.

Talk to your doctor if these effects become severe or persist long-term.

Warnings & Precautions For Zanaflex

Zanaflex may cause adverse effects including allergic reactions, fainting, hallucinations, changes in consciousness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and blurred vision. 

Serious liver disease and symptoms of persistent nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing eyes or skin), or dark urine could also occur. If you experience any of these effects while taking Zanaflex, seek prompt medical advice.

Before using Zanaflex, let your doctor know about all other over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and supplements you are using, as well as your other medical conditions including any history of low blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Zanaflex, including increased risk of falling injuries. And pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should only use Zanaflex when it is clearly needed, and then only under a doctor’s supervision.

Zanaflex Drug Interactions

Zanaflex is known to interact with a variety of substances, including:

• alcohol, cannabis, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, opioids, sleeping pills, tricyclic antidepressants, and other drugs that sometimes cause dizziness or drowsiness, which should be avoided due to a high risk of serious mental or physical impairment
• other adrenergic agonists including clonidine and methyldopa
• medications that can influence the body’s ability to metabolize tizanidine via the CYP1A2 enzyme, including birth control pills (oral contraceptives), ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, amiodarone, cimetidine, famotidine, ticlopidine, zileuton, and acyclovir, 

Zanaflex Abuse

Even though tizanidine is not a controlled substance or narcotic, it can be abused for its ability to cause extreme sedation and a pleasurable drowsiness in high doses, or in combination with other CNS depressants. 

Or, in other cases, the drug may be wrongfully used to self-medicate for different reasons.

However, abusing Zanaflex increases a person’s risk of unwanted side effects and can accelerate the development of both psychological and physical dependence towards this strong medication. 

Once this occurs, it can be very hard to quit using Zanaflex, as rebound effects and other withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur.

Treating Zanaflex Abuse & Dependence

Quitting Zanaflex suddenly can cause symptoms like high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, tremors, anxiety, agitation, and more. For this reason, treatment for Zanaflex abuse and dependence may begin with medical detox and a tapering schedule.

Following this, treatment options for Zanaflex abuse can include outpatient counseling and other forms of support provided by treatment centers like those operated by Ark Behavioral Health.

To learn more, please contact us today.