Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking zanaflex as follows: Zanaflex could take some time to fairly adjust to your body, before any optimal relief with muscle spasms and easing of side-effects is experienced. So, do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the desired result immediately after taking the medication. Zanaflex only helps with relieving muscle spasms, by inhibiting the conduction of nerve impulses [...]

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. [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking zanaflex as follows: Zanaflex can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking zanaflex as follows: Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods of time, set enough reminders to help yourself pick the refill before you run out on the medication. Also, you can avoid the unpleasant withdrawal response [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Zanaflex as follows: Zanaflex could interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on zanaflex, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with zanaflex. Also, if you have been taking zanaflex for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of zanaflex intake, when you are being started on any [...]