Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Zanaflex as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Zanaflex use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with zanaflex, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Genitourinary side-effects
- Zanaflex intake, by some unknown mechanism, can induce bladder irritation and increase risk for urinary tract infection. Individuals with history of bladder disorders, retention of urine, and frequent urinary tract infections must be aware of this side-effect, as zanaflex can add further to their risk for UTIs.
Withdrawal
- Individuals on sudden withdrawal from zanaflex, especially after prolonged use or use in high doses, can present with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as, hypertension, tachycardia, exacerbation of anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbances, mania, rebound spasticity, bad muscle spasms, and seizures. Discontinuation on zanaflex use must be slow and gradual, using tapering doses, and only on your physician recommendation.
