Metaxalone: Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Open

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-anemia or blood disorder
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to metaxalone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Open

Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow it with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What if I miss a dose?

Open

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Open

Do not take this medication with any of the following medicines:

-narcotic medicines for cough

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-alcohol
-antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
-certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
-certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
-certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
-general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
-local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
-medicines that relax muscles for surgery
-narcotic medicines for pain
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Open

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking another medicine that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Open

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

-anxious
-headache
-irritability
-upset stomach