Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Zanaflex as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Zanaflex use can result in episodes of confusion, dizziness, and light-headedness. This risk with zanaflex 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 and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication.
- Zanaflex use, especially in individuals with history of mood disorders, can occasionally result in exacerbation of anxiety and depressive symptoms, changes in behavior, hallucinations, and compromised sexual drive.
Respiratory depression
- Zanaflex, especially when taken in high doses, can lead to depression of respiratory center in the brain and consequently cause exacerbation of SOB, and difficult breathing.
- This risk with zanaflex can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing central nervous depression, such as, alcohol, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives.
- Individuals with history of breathing disorders, such as, asthma, emphysema, and COPD, are at increased risk for presentation with severe debility due to respiratory arrest from zanaflex intake.
