Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a short-acting muscle relaxer. It has been shown to be more effective than other antispasmodic drugs and is more tolerable than baclofen and Flexeril.
The drug was approved for medical use in the United States in 1996. In the year 2018, it ranked 86th as the most commonly prescribed medication in the U.S., with over 8 million prescriptions.
Tizanidine treats muscle spasticity and spinal cord injury by temporarily relaxing muscle tone. To know more, read the blog thoroughly.
Tizanidine is sold under the brand name Zanaflex, Sirdalud, and others. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a class of muscle relaxers called an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Zanaflex is used to treat muscle spasms caused by conditions such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. It belongs to a category of drugs called alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, which work by blocking certain nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord that cause muscles to tighten.
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) works by selectively stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system. When these receptors are stimulated, it inhibits the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine that initiate and maintain muscle spasticity.
This reduction in neurotransmitter release leads to a decrease in the activity of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord that regulate muscle contractions. This decrease in activity, in turn, reduces muscle tone and overall muscle spasticity. This is why Zanaflex is used to treat conditions such as spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, which can cause muscle spasticity.
In simple words, Zanaflex affects the connection of pain sensitization between the brain and the spinal cord, which helps to relax the muscle.
As mentioned above, Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxant. It is used to treat muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions that affect muscle. Zanaflex is typically prescribed to treat Spasticity. Which is the condition where muscles become stiff and difficult to control.
Various conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy can cause it. Zanaflex also treats muscle spasms that are caused by conditions such as Fibromyalgia or tizanidine for backpain is helpful.
Tizanidine for headaches is useful, especially those caused by muscle tension. It may help reduce headaches’ frequency and severity by relaxing muscles and reducing spasms.
It’s important to note that off-label use of Tizanidine (Zanaflex) without your doctor’s advice may cause severe side effects.
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a narcotic substance. Such type of questions always pops up however it can make people dependent i.e tizanidine addictive in nature. The misconception starts from the abuse rate and the prescription compulsion thing. Many folks abuse muscle relaxers making it into a controlled substance. Declaring Narcotic substance has many other legal things as well as attributes involved hence Zanaflex doesn’t come under Narcotic substance.
Forms | Strength |
Capsule | 2mg, 4mg, 6mg |
Tablet | 2mg, 4mg |
Dosage
Adult: The typical starting dose is 2mg by mouth thrice daily. The dose can be raised slowly if needed up to a total of 36 mg in a day |
Children: Use and dose according to the prescription by a doctor |
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a prescription medication that should only be taken with the proper precaution.
Here are some precautions for Tizanidine (Zanaflex):
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) can cause a range of side effects which can vary from person to person; here are the table of common side effects and serious side effects of Zanaflex
Common side effects | Serious side effects |
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Tizanidine (Zanaflex) may interact with other medications or substances. Which can affect the effectiveness of the medication and may cause serious health issues;
Here are some examples of the potential interaction;
You can buy Tizanidine (Zanaflex) online, but it is important to do so only from a legitimate and licensed online pharmacy. Buying medication online can be risky, as some websites may sell counterfeit or expired drugs that can harm your health.
No, Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a prescription medication unavailable over the counter. You need a proper prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to purchase Zanaflex.
As mentioned above, Zanaflex is a prescription muscle relaxant medication. It is used to treat muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or other muscle conditions. Do not increase the dose or duration of the treatment. Use it according to the prescription and guidelines given by your doctor. Many times comparing medications can be done in order to arrive at the final decision, for eg: Zanaflex vs soma. This type of comparison can help.