Generic Zanaflex (Tizanidine) 2mg, 4mg

Zanaflex only for $0.83

Active ingredient: Tizanidine

Dosages: 2mg, 4mg

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What is Zanaflex (Tizanidine)?

Zanaflex, known by its generic name tizanidine, is a medication primarily used to manage muscle spasticity, which is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle tightness and stiffness often seen in disorders like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or other neurological diseases. It belongs to a class of medications called alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. Tizanidine works by blocking nerve impulses sent to the brain and spinal cord, thereby reducing the intensity of muscle spasms without directly relaxing the muscle itself.

The drug is typically administered in a tablet form, though it is also available as a capsule that can be taken with or without food. Its effects are generally noticeable within one to two hours and are short-lived, which makes this medication particularly useful for managing daily activities that require relief from muscle spasticity. Side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure, among others. Because of its sedative properties, it is advised that users do not operate heavy machinery or drive while taking this medication. Additionally, the dosage and duration of treatment with tizanidine should be carefully managed to avoid potential withdrawal symptoms or rebound spasticity.

Zanaflex user review – Sherrie Dixon experience

I recently decided to buy Zanaflex online after my doctor recommended it to help manage the muscle spasms associated with my multiple sclerosis. Finding a reliable online pharmacy was crucial for me, and thankfully, the process was straightforward and secure. I started taking Zanaflex about three weeks ago, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my daily comfort levels. The muscle tightness has decreased, and I find it easier to engage in my routine activities without the constant discomfort that used to hold me back.

However, I did experience some side effects initially, most notably drowsiness and a bit of dry mouth, which I managed by adjusting my hydration and tweaking the timing of my doses under my doctor’s guidance. The benefits have outweighed these minor inconveniences for me. Being able to purchase Zanaflex online has also made it more convenient to keep up with my treatment, ensuring I don’t miss any doses. Overall, my experience with this drug has been very positive, helping me regain much-needed control over my muscle spasms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zanaflex used for?

Zanaflex (tizanidine) is used primarily to treat muscle spasticity, which is characterized by tight or stiff muscles that may be painful or cause difficulty in movement. Here is a list of specific uses for this drug:

1. Management of Spasticity: It is often prescribed to individuals with conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological disorders that cause increased muscle tone and involuntary spasms.
2. Temporary Relief of Symptoms: It can be used on an as-needed basis to manage spikes in muscle tone or spastic episodes, providing temporary relief that facilitates daily activities and physical therapy.
3. Improvement of Muscle Function: By reducing the severity of muscle spasms and tightness, tizanidine can help improve mobility and ease the discomfort associated with spasticity.

Where to buy Zanaflex (Tizanidine) online?

If you’re looking to buy Zanaflex (Tizanidine) online, there are several reputable online pharmacies where you can find this medication. It’s important to ensure that you are purchasing from a legitimate and licensed pharmacy to guarantee the safety and authenticity of the medication. Here are three online pharmacies where you can purchase it:

This table provides a concise overview of each option, helping you compare prices and features to make an informed decision when looking to buy Zanaflex online. Always ensure that you are dealing with a reputable pharmacy and consult with your healthcare provider before purchasing medications online.

How to take Zanaflex?

• Administration: It can be taken with or without food, but it’s important to be consistent in the way you take it relative to meals, as food can change the medication’s effects.
• Consistency: Because of its short action time, doses are generally spaced out throughout the day as needed. It’s crucial not to take more than prescribed.

Available Dosages:

• Tablets: It is available in tablet form in dosages of 2 mg and 4 mg.
• Capsules: It also comes in capsule form, which might be preferable for gradual release, in dosages of 2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg.

Typical Treatment Plan:

1. Initial Dosing: Treatment often starts at a low dose, typically 2 mg. The initial dose should be given at times when relief from muscle spasticity is most needed.
2. Gradual Increase: The dosage may be increased gradually based on patient response and tolerability, typically by 2-4 mg at intervals of 1 to 4 days. This cautious approach helps in determining the smallest effective dose.
3. Maximum Dosage: The maximum recommended daily dose should not exceed 36 mg, taken in up to three divided doses.
4. Short-term Use: Due to its sedative effects, and potential for liver issues, long-term usage needs careful consideration and regular monitoring.
5. Discontinuation: If Zanaflex needs to be discontinued, it should be tapered off slowly to prevent withdrawal symptoms and rebound spasticity.

How long does it take for Zanaflex to work?

Zanaflex (tizanidine) typically begins to work within about one to two hours after taking it orally. The onset of its effects can be quite quick, which makes it useful for treating episodes of increased muscle spasticity when immediate relief is needed. However, the duration of its effects is relatively short, generally lasting between 3 to 6 hours, which may require multiple doses throughout the day to manage symptoms effectively. Patients are advised to time their doses based on when they need the most relief from muscle stiffness and spasms, and always under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Is Zanaflex a pain killer?

Zanaflex (tizanidine) is not primarily classified as a painkiller. It is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used mainly to manage muscle spasticity, which can involve symptoms of muscle stiffness and spasms often associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. While this medication does not directly relieve pain in the traditional sense of a painkiller, such as opioids or NSAIDs, it can indirectly reduce discomfort by lessening the muscle spasms that may contribute to pain. Therefore, while it may help alleviate some symptoms that cause pain, it’s not used as a general pain relief medication.

Is Zanaflex good for anxiety?

Zanaflex (tizanidine) is not approved for the treatment of anxiety. Its primary use is for managing muscle spasticity associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and other neurological disorders. It works by blocking nerve impulses that cause muscle spasms, which can indirectly lead to a sedative effect.

What are contraindications of Zanaflex?

Zanaflex (tizanidine) has several contraindications that should be considered before starting treatment to ensure safety. Here’s a list of the main contraindications:

1. Allergy to Tizanidine: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity to tizanidine should not take it.
2. Severe Hepatic Impairment: This drug is extensively metabolized by the liver, and its use is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment due to the risk of hepatotoxicity.
3. Concurrent use with CYP1A2 Inhibitors: Medications that inhibit the enzyme CYP1A2 can significantly increase the concentration of tizanidine in the blood, potentially leading to severe side effects. Common CYP1A2 inhibitors include fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin.
4. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Tizanidine can cause a significant reduction in blood pressure. Those with already low blood pressure or who are taking blood pressure medications may have an increased risk of severe hypotension.

What is the most common side effect of tizanidine?

The most common side effect of tizanidine (Zanaflex) is drowsiness. Many users experience significant sedation, which can affect their ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Other frequently reported side effects include dry mouth and dizziness. These side effects are generally related to the drug’s mechanism of action as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, which reduces muscle spasticity but can also influence other physiological systems.

What drugs should not be taken with Zanaflex?

When taking Zanaflex (tizanidine), it’s important to be aware of potential interactions with other drugs that can lead to adverse effects or reduced effectiveness. Here is a list of drugs that should generally not be taken with the described drug:

1. CYP1A2 Inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme can significantly increase the levels of tizanidine in the blood, which may enhance its effects and side effects. Examples include:
   • Fluvoxamine (an antidepressant)
   • Ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic)
2. Blood Pressure Medications: Since tizanidine can lower blood pressure, taking it with other blood pressure-lowering medications (antihypertensives) can lead to excessive reduction in blood pressure. Some of these medications include:
   • Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol)
   • ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)
   • Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine)
3. Sedatives and CNS Depressants: Combining tizanidine with medications that have sedative properties can increase the risk of excessive sedation. This includes:
   • Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
   • Opioids (e.g., morphine, hydrocodone)
   • Sleeping pills (e.g., zolpidem)
   • Alcohol
4. Oral Contraceptives: Some studies suggest that oral contraceptives might increase the concentration of tizanidine in the blood, potentially increasing its side effects.

What is Zanaflex generic for?

Zanaflex is the brand name for the generic drug tizanidine. Tizanidine is used primarily to treat muscle spasticity, which is a condition where muscles are continuously contracted, causing stiffness or tightness of the muscles and interfering with normal movement, speech, and gait. It is often prescribed for individuals with neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or brain injuries, where muscle spasticity is a common symptom.

Can I buy Zanaflex Tizanidine over the counter?

You can buy Zanaflex online without prescription. But it is mandatory to consult a healthcare professional in order to determine the exact dosage and duration of the course.

Is Zanaflex the same as Gabapentin?

No, Zanaflex (tizanidine) and Gabapentin are not the same. They are two different medications used to treat distinct conditions, although they may sometimes be used to manage similar symptoms such as muscle spasms.

Zanaflex (tizanidine) is primarily used as a muscle relaxant. It is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works by blocking nerve impulses that cause muscle spasms, mainly used to manage spasticity associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders.

Gabapentin, on the other hand, is primarily used to treat nerve pain and seizures. It is an anticonvulsant and an anti-epileptic medication that works by affecting the chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain and as an adjunct therapy for partial seizures.

Where to get more info about the drug?

Get more information about the drug here.

Disclaimer: The information provided here does not encompass all aspects related to this medication. It is not meant to substitute the medication guide, a discussion with a pharmacist, or professional advice from your healthcare provider. For complete details about the medication or if you have further questions, please consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can offer thorough guidance and ensure that you use the medication safely and effectively.

By Edward Chung, PT, DPT
Reviewed by George Grunberger
Last Update July 5, 2024