Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking metaxalone as follows:
- Metaxalone, by causing a depressant effect on the brain can also cause depression of the cardiovascular center in the brain, which regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, intake of metaxalone can result in low heart rate and blood pressure. Hypotension and bradycardia, secondary to metaxalone intake, can contribute to the confusion and dizziness the medication can cause, thus significantly increasing the risk for fall and accidents. Individuals taking prescribed antihypertensive medications, if any, can be at even higher risk for hypotensive episodes, with metaxalone taken concomitantly. Observing a two-hour window between intake of antihypertensive medications and metaxalone can help avoid episodes of dangerously low blood pressure numbers. While taking metaxalone, observe compliance with log maintenance of every day blood pressure and heart rate. Report any consistently low numbers on BP and heart rate to your physician and other health care personnel, for an appropriate change in your plan of care to be considered.
- Your physician could change the dose of metaxalone, based on the relief obtained or side-effects developed. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments, to update on the relief from symptoms. Be accommodative to the plan of frequent dose changes, until you show an optimum response.
