Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking metaxalone as follows:
- Metaxalone use carries the risk of inducing some mood changes, resulting in some excitation, nervousness, irritability, and anxiety. Patients with history of mood disorders, secondary to metaxalone intake, can be at increased risk to present with deteriorating and worsening mood disorders. Notify your physician regarding any such mood changes, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised or alternative plan considered.
- Metaxalone is extensively metabolized in the liver and the inactive metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of metaxalone can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, in individuals with history of compromised liver function, metaxalone must be used with caution and possible multiple dose adjustments, periodical monitoring for liver functions and development of any toxicity symptoms with the medication.
- Metaxalone can take some time to fairly adjust to your body, before any relief with muscle spasms and easing of side-effects is experienced. So, do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the desired result immediately after taking the medication.
- Notify your doctor of any unresolving muscle spasms, worsening muscle pain and discomfort, compromised range of motion in the involved muscle groups, or continuing unpleasant side-effects, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised.
