Metaxalone
Why this is used
Metaxalone, a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How to take it
Metaxalone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metaxalone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Metaxalone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
<ul>
<li>
drowsiness</li>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
nervousness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
<ul>
<li>
severe skin rash</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing</li>
<li>
yellowing of the skin or eyes</li>
<li>
unusual bruising or bleeding</li>
<li>
unusual tiredness or weakness</li>
<li>
seizures</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>
<ul>
<li>
drowsiness</li>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
nervousness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
<ul>
<li>
severe skin rash</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing</li>
<li>
yellowing of the skin or eyes</li>
<li>
unusual bruising or bleeding</li>
<li>
unusual tiredness or weakness</li>
<li>
seizures</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>
Precautions
Before taking metaxalone, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metaxalone or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for seizures, allergies, colds, or coughs; pain medications; sedatives; tranquilizers; and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, or a blood disorder. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how metaxalone affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Metaxalone.