Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking metaxalone as follows:
- Do not take metaxalone with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by metaxalone. A number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, antiseizure medications, antidepressant, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by metaxalone, thus resulting in many cross reactions and side-effects and so, must be avoided taking along with metaxalone. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by metaxalone intake. Both alcohol and metaxalone can independently depress the respirations and when taken together, their effects on the brain and respirations can get added up and lead to severe dizziness and respiratory depression and can even be fatal.
- Metaxalone intake can sometimes result in breakdown of red blood cells in the circulation. Patients can present with symptoms of anemia, such as pale skin and mucous membranes, exacerbation of shortness of breath, dizziness due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain, and weakness. Damaged red blood cells also contribute to elevated bilirubin pigment in the blood, thus contributing to findings of jaundice with yellow discoloration of the sclera (white) of the eye. Closely observe for any symptoms of worsening anemia and jaundice, to report them to your physician immediately, for appropriate changes in the plan of care to be considered.
