RSD Alert
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RSD Alert is a voluntary
organisation publishing RSD/CRPS
information, mostly provided by
our readers.
Every approved medical drug works for some people but not for others.
Don't be alarmed by what you read. If in doubt consult your medical
advisor.
To make personal contact with one of the RSD Alert Team click CONTACT.
To pass on information for publication in "Drugs on RSD Alert"
click Submit Info.
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Drugs |
Drugs on RSD Alert
(notes and comments from correspondents) |
Zanaflex |
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Description |
A muscle relaxant that works by blocking nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. It is also is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity. The generic name of this drug is Tizanidine (Tizanidine Hydrochloride). It relaxes certain muscles and relieves muscle spasms or tightness caused by multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. |
Side effects(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients) |
May cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Possible allergic reaction (breathing difficulty; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); · hallucinations or abnormal behaviour; or · liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Increased muscle tone or spasms; or sweating. |
Warnings(These are standard cautions but may not apply in your case) |
To be used with caution for patients who have liver or kidney disease, low blood pressure or are receiving treatment for high blood pressure. Caution is also advised if the patient is taking birth control pills. This drug is listed in the Federal Drug Administration's pregnancy C category, which means that it is not known whether it may harm an unborn child. Consult your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Use caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety medicines, and pain medicines. |
Comments |
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Many thanks to Kate - Hampshire, UK for researching the above data Zanaflex does not make me groggy, although it does help me sleep. I think that is a little bit of a technical difference. Keep in mind that because of my complicated medical conditions i.e., broken neck and then RSD, I have been on large amounts of narcotics and other meds, so I probably have a higher tolerance to medicines so I may tolerate these differently than others. What may keep me up may knock you or someone else out for a week. Trish Pennsylvania, USA. I also have been taking Zanaflex for almost 2 years. I have no problems with this medication. It does relax me but not to the degree of knocking me out. It helps with my agonising pain from a spine and low back injury, with migraines. Boyd My husband takes Methadone and Zanaflex (2 hours apart) per his Dr instructions. Withing 2 hours of taking the Zanaflex, he is unable to function... it even knocks him out for up to 5 hours... not a good drug combination. Lyn - Jacksonville, Florida I have recently been prescribed Zanaflex (Tizanidine Hydrochloride) for chronic pain and I can safely say that for the last six years it's been almost unbearable, but since taking the Zanaflex the pain has subsided to a more manageable level. Ask your doctor if its right for you (it's a muscle relaxant) and if you need any more info pop along to netdoctor.co.uk - it's great on chronic pain, and after the first couple of days the side effects wear off (sleepiness mostly, the drug has very few side effects long-term, but it IS expensive and your doctor may try a cheaper alternative like Baclofen first which was terrible for me). Elliott - Abergavenny, Wales, UK I've had RSD for 13 years since a bad cab accident that caused
extensive nerve damage to my upper body. I had two transpositions
of the ulnar nerve, two dissections of the brachial plexus, a
radial nerve dissection, plus a triquetrum/hamate repair. After
all this time I am fortunate to have my RSD relatively under control
i.e. a daily pain score around 4. My magic bullet was Oxycontin
plus tizanidine (Zanaflex) a short-acting, alpha2-adrenergic receptor
agonist which is often used for spasticity. I also occasionally
use Viox. Actiq is great as a breakthrough pain med because of
how quickly it enters the body via the gums. It is not a long
term maintenance med as are either tizanidine or oxycontin. |
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