16 Dec 2021
Spasms and increased muscle tone caused by sclerosis, stroke, or brain or spinal injury are treated with Zanaflex (Tizanidine). Zanaflex belongs to the skeletal muscle relaxant class of drugs.
It works by allowing the brain and nerve system to slow down and relax the muscles. Zanaflex is not an over-the-counter medicine, before ordering Zanaflex online from a certified online pharmacy, you always need a doctor's prescription.
According to the DEA, Zanaflex is not a controlled substance. Some people, like those who abuse other muscle relaxants, may abuse this one as well. Zanaflex is a therapy option for a brief period of time. Long-term use of Zanaflex can be highly addictive as well as develop into abuse and dependency. (Leonard, P. and Valaer, C., 2014).
What Schedule Class Is Tizanidine?
Zanaflex belongs to the Central Alpha-2-Adrenergic Agonist class of medicines. Alpha-2 agonists that operate centrally stimulate the central nervous system's alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Sympathetic nervous system activity reduces when alpha-2 receptors are activated.
Is Tizanidine A Narcotic?
The fact that Tizanidine is not a narcotic appeal to many people who require relief from muscle spasms. Despite the fact that Tizanidine is not a narcotic, it does cause some people to get addicted to it.
The way it acts in your body distinguishes it from a narcotic. Instead of attaching directly to pain receptors, it inhibits nerve receptors at the muscle level. This creates the erroneous impression that Tizanidine cannot be abused (Levy, R.M., 1995).
Is Tizanidine A Strong Muscle Relaxer?
A systematic review compared and contrasted 46 trials (both randomized and placebo-controlled), the majority of which focused on low back pain or neck disorders. The placebo-controlled trials were largely completed more than 15 years ago and included 17 on cyclobenzaprine, six on Tizanidine, four on carisoprodol, and four on orphenadrine.
In general, all of the medications were found to be beneficial in some way. There was no significant difference between Tizanidine and chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte) for back spasms in a fair-quality trial.
To summarise, Tizanidine is a powerful muscle relaxant; however, there is little evidence to suggest that it is superior to other muscle relaxants (Bryson, H.M., 1997).
Strength And Dosage
Zanaflex is available in three strengths: 2.29 mg, 4.58 mg, and 6.87 mg.
The initial dose is recommended to be 2 mg. Because Zanaflex's efficacy peaks at around 1 to 2 hours after a dose and fades between 3 and 6 hours after a dose, treatment can be repeated as needed at 6 to 8 hour periods, up to a maximum of three doses in 24 hours
To achieve a sufficient reduction in muscle tone, the amount can be steadily increased by 2 mg to 4 mg at each dosage, with 1 to 4 days between dosage increases. The daily intake should not be more than 36 mg.
Side Effects
| Dry mouth |
| Drowsiness |
| Dizziness |
| Muscle weakness |
| Back pain |
Drug Interactions
Zanaflex is mostly metabolizd in the liver by the CYP1A2 enzyme. Drugs that block or inhibit this enzyme can increase Zanaflex levels in the body. Increased medication levels might cause sleepiness and dizziness, among other side effects. CYP1A2 inhibitors like ciprofloxacin, cimetidine, and birth control pills containing Ethinyl estradiol should be avoided when taking Zanaflex.
Zanaflex may interact with drugs that depress the central nervous system. Barbiturates, opioids, and benzodiazepines are examples of these medications. Zanaflex might intensify their effects, causing dizziness and sedation (Bouchard, S., Tansey, C., Gendron, D., Barkas, W.J. and Francis, G.S., 1987).
