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Metaxalone
Brand
Name: Skelaxin
Most
Common Medical Uses
Metaxalone
is a muscle relaxant. Metaxalone is used, in conjunction with rest
and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular
conditions. Metaxalone may also be used for purposes other than
those listed.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
metaxalone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you.
Possible
Side Effects
If
you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
metaxalone and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your
lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or yellow skin or eyes. Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take metaxalone and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness
or dizziness; headache, nervousness, or irritability; or nausea,
upset stomach, or vomiting. 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.
Precautions
Use
alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness
while you are taking metaxalone. Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Metaxalone
may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Drug
Interactions
Many
drugs can increase the effects of metaxalone, which can lead to
heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor
if you are taking any of the following medicines: antihistamines
such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine
(Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine
(Tavist), and many others; narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine
(Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon,
Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan),
fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3,
others); sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital
(Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal); phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine
(Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine
(Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril),
and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or antidepressants such as doxepin
(Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine
(Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil),
and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Drugs other than those listed here
may also interact with metaxalone. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed
Dose
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this
medication.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Use
alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness
while you are taking metaxalone. Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Do not share
metaxalone with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they
may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.
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