Skelaxin - Metaxalone - Skeletal Muscle Relaxer

Brand Name: Skelaxin. Skelaxin is a prescription only medication.

Generic Name: Metaxalone. Currently, there is no generic version of this medication available on the U.S. market. Metaxalone is a prescription only medication.

Class and Purpose of the Drug: Skeletal Muscle Relaxant. Shown to produce medically significant results in patients with muscle spasm and/or decreased flexibility. Skelaxin is used with rest and physical therapy to decrease the stiffness and pain associated with muscle injuries such as sprains and strains.

Appropriate Usage: Skelaxin is meant to be used in acute situations, for short-term use, generally about 3 weeks.

Skelaxin is taken by mouth, with a meal, to prevent an upset stomach. If you get an upset stomach anyway, try taking it on with a light meal. Skelaxin is taken between 3-4 times a day. DO NOT INCREASE YOUR DOSAGE! If you miss a dose, and it has been longer than 1 hour, just resume taking the medication with the next scheduled time.

Storage: Store between 59 and 86 degrees F (that's about room temprature), away from light and moisture. The bathroom is not the place to store Skelaxin!

How the Drug Works - Drug Action: It is not completely known how Skelaxin (metaxalone) works. It is thought to be a sedative. One of its potential side effects is drowiness. More details about drowsiness and other side effects are explained in the next section.

Side Effects: Many people use Skelaxin without side effects at all. However, they are possible while your body is first adjusting to the medication. Side effects should not persist. If they do, notify your doctor as soon as possible:

• stomach upset, nausea, constipation
• dry mouth
• headache
• blurred vision
• lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness. Because of the potential for drowsiness, it is best not to drive or to operating heavy machinery while on Skelaxin.

More Serious Side Effects: More serious symptoms are unlikely, but may include:

• signs of infection, for example, a sore throat
• yellow eyes or skin
• mood changes, or signs of mental disturbance
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• fatigue
trouble urinating
• worsening of seizures

An allergic reaction to the medication is also possible. This is serious and requires medical attention immediately. Signs of an allergic reaction would include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions: Always communicate the following with your doctor:

• allergies, especially to metaxalone,
• any liver disease
• any seizures
• any urinary retention

Other precautions include: kidney disease and low blood cell count due to a reaction to a drug.

Side effects are amplified in the elderly, and pregnant women should only take Skelaxin if it is absolutely necessary. It is not known if this drug is passed on to the baby during breastfeeding.

Precaution - Drug Interactions: Do not take this medication with others that cause drowsiness, including but not limited to: antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers.

When used with cupric slufate type diabetic urine testing products, false positive results may occur. Notify the lab that you are using this drug before the test.


Bibliography
1 Rx Patient Drug Information from First DataBank 6.8.05. Rx List, The Internet Drug Index. Retrieved from: http://www.rxlist.com/drugs/drug-7898-Metaxalone+Oral.aspx?drugid=7898&drugname=Metaxalone+Oral January 29, 2006.

2 Marks, Jay W., MD Metaxalone Center. 1.23/06 MedicineNet. Retrieved from: http://www.medicinenet.com/metaxalone/article.htm January 29, 2006.

3. Eustice, Carol & Rick. The Facts of Skelaxin. About.com Arthritis site. Retrieved from: http://arthritis.about.com/od/skelaxin/a/skelaxinfacts.htm. January 29, 2006.

Date Created: January 29, 2006