Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking orphenadrine as follows:
- Orphenadrine has some potential for addiction and abuse, especially after prolonged use and/or in individuals with history of substance/drug abuse. Keep a count on your pills, when taking this medication, to help prevent abuse by others. Do not share this medication with any friends and family. Discuss your history of substance/drug abuse with your physician, if any, to be sure of your safety with orphenadrine intake. Individuals on sudden withdrawal from orphenadrine, especially after prolonged use or use in high doses, can present with mild unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as, listlessness, lack of energy, appetite changes, mood changes, rebound muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, runny nose, tearing of eyes, excessive nausea & salivation, stomach cramps, and sweating. Discontinuation on orphenadrine use must be slow and gradual, using tapering doses, and only on your physician recommendation.
- Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of orphenadrine needed to derive the desired beneficial effects and also prevent toxicity with the medication.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your physician.
