Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking zanaflex as follows:
- Zanaflex, especially when taken in high doses, carries the risk of depressing the cardiovascular center in the brain, which regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, intake of zanaflex can result in low heart rate and blood pressure. Hypotension and bradycardia, secondary to zanaflex intake, can contribute to the confusion and dizziness, thus significantly increasing the risk for fall and accidents. This risk with zanaflex can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing hypotension and bradycardia, such as, antihypertensives, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives, and so, must be avoided. Changing positions slowly, such as, from laying down to standing, by sitting up for a minute or two and stabilizing before standing up and walking around can also contribute towards fall and accident prevention.
- Zanaflex could be avoided for a safer alternative or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of severe head injury and brain damage. Individuals with history of head injury and brain damage can be at high risk to present with severe depression of brain and associated respiratory and cardiovascular centers with zanaflex, leading to complications such as, coma, respiratory arrest, dangerous hypotension, and bradycardia, which can be fatal. Individuals with such health history must double check with their physician regarding their safety with zanaflex.
- Zanaflex could potentially interact with a lot of other medications and precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on zanaflex, discuss with your physician regarding all your current medications and their safety with zanaflex. Also, notify your physician regarding any current zanaflex intake, if you are being started on any new medications and discuss their safety with zanaflex.
