Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Dantrolene as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Dantrolene use can result in episodes of confusion, dizziness, and light-headedness. This risk with dantrolene can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing central nervous depression, such as, alcohol, opioid pain medications, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives. Watching closely for therapeutic response to report any poorly tolerated confusion and dizziness can help prevent any falls and accidents.
- Dantrolene use, especially in individuals with history of mood disorders, can occasionally result in exacerbation of depressive symptoms, insomnia, and nervousness.
- Dantrolene use, especially in individuals with seizure history, can occasionally result in deterioration of seizure control and episodes of seizures.
Musculoskeletal side-effects
- Dantrolene by causing excessive muscle relaxation can contribute to flaccidity and muscle weakness, which can increase risk for falls and accidents.
Hematologic side-effects
- Dantrolene use can rarely lead to bone marrow failure, resulting in low blood cell count. Poor red cell count can lead to development of symptoms of anemia, such as, fatigue, weakness, confusion, dizziness, pale skin, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath. Low white blood cell counts from marrow failure can increase individual’s risk for infections. Low platelet counts due to marrow failure can result in increased risk for hemorrhage and bleeding episodes.
