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Tizanidine

Zanaflex, Sirdalud

RA
UR

Written by R. Author | Reviewed by Uche Ruth

Updated on June 03, 2024

Overview

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer used to treat stiff, rigid muscles. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) isn't a controlled substance, so it isn't known to cause an addiction. But it does have several risks and warnings for side effects such as low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) comes as both brand and generic name tablets and capsules.

What is Tizanidine (Zanaflex) used for?

  • Muscle stiffness and rigidity

How Tizanidine (Zanaflex) works

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a type of muscle relaxer called an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It works by slowing down nerves in your spinal column that control muscle tone. When those nerves slow down, your muscles relax.

When does Tizanidine (Zanaflex) start working?

Time passed since treatment started:

Time passed since treatment started

Pharmacist tips for Tizanidine (Zanaflex, Sirdalud)

  • You can take tizanidine (Zanaflex) with or without food. But you should try to be consistent each time. This is because food causes your body to absorb the medication differently, which can affect how well this medication works and its side effects.
  • If you choose to take tizanidine (Zanaflex) with food, always take it within 30 minutes of a meal. If you choose to take tizanidine (Zanaflex) without food, always wait at least 3 hours after a meal to take your medication.
  • If your provider switched you from tizanidine (Zanaflex) tablets to capsules, be aware that you might notice some differences between how fast or how well the tablets and capsules work. If you take tizanidine (Zanaflex) tablets with food, you might feel their effects more quickly. But if you take tizanidine (Zanaflex) capsules, it can take longer before you experience their effects.
  • If you're having a hard time swallowing your tizanidine (Zanaflex) capsule, you can open it up and sprinkle the contents on applesauce. You will have to be consistent and always take the medication this way because the amount of tizanidine (Zanaflex) your body absorbs is different if it's sprinkled on applesauce than if you swallow the capsule whole.
  • If you have been on tizanidine (Zanaflex) for a long period of time, you shouldn't stop this medication suddenly. This can cause withdrawal symptoms, including high blood pressure, muscle spasticity, and a fast heartbeat. Talk to your provider if you want to stop taking tizanidine (Zanaflex). They will work with you to lower your dose safely.
  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex) can cause low blood pressure, especially if you change positions too quickly. This can cause you to get dizzy and fall. Whenever possible, try to stand up from sitting or lying down slowly and place your hands on a sturdy object while getting up.
  • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) can interact with certain medications, including the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, and lead to very low blood pressure and a slow heartbeat.
  • Side effects like dizziness and sleepiness are common. Don't drink alcohol while taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), as it can make these side effects worse.
  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex) can affect your ability to focus and concentrate. Avoid driving or performing any activity that requires a lot of attention until you know how this medication affects you.
  • A common side effect of tizanidine (Zanaflex) is dry mouth. Chewing gum or sucking on ice can help with this. There are also special mouthwashes and lozenges available at your local pharmacy that can help.

What are the risks and warnings for Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Low blood pressure

  • Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Taking blood pressure medications | Taking fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin | Standing up from lying down quickly

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) can cause low blood pressure and dizziness, especially when you first start the medication and any time your provider raises your dose. Your provider will try to minimize these side effects by raising your dose slowly over time. To lower your risk of falls, make sure you stand up slowly from a lying position and use a sturdy object to help yourself up. If you continue to feel dizzy or unsteady, or if your blood pressure is too low, talk to your provider.

Extreme sleepiness

  • Risk factors: Taking with alcohol or illicit drugs | Taking other medications that cause drowsiness | People over 65

Taking tizanidine (Zanaflex) can make you feel sleepy and affect your concentration and focus. This is more likely to happen if you're over 65 or take other medications that cause drowsiness. Don't drink alcohol while taking this medication. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, like driving or operating machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.

Worsening drowsiness (from medication interactions)

There are certain mediations that can interact with tizanidine (Zanaflex) and worsen low blood pressure and dizziness. For examples, you're not recommended to take tizanidine (Zanaflex) along with clonidine (Catapress) or guanfacine. And you need to avoid taking tizanidine (Zanaflex) if you take either fluvoxamine (Luvox) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

Make sure to tell both your healthcare provider and your pharmacist about all medications and over-the-counter products you are taking before you start tizanidine (Zanaflex), even if you only take them once in a while or as needed.

Higher risk of tizanidine side effects (in people with kidney problems)

  • Risk factors: History of kidney problems

People who have kidney problems should be careful using tizanidine (Zanaflex). Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is processed by the kidneys, and if the kidneys aren't working properly, you could have a buildup of tizanidine (Zanaflex) in your body. This buildup can raise your risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness or make them more intense. If you have kidney problems, you will most likely be given lower doses of tizanidine (Zanaflex) to prevent these issues.

Liver damage

  • Risk factors: History of liver problems

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) can cause liver injury. If you have liver problems, you might not be able to take this medication. Or, your provider might ask you get blood tests done regularly to check your liver health.

Hallucinations

A very small number of people have experienced hallucinations after starting tizanidine (Zanaflex). For most people, the hallucinations went away once they stopped taking the medication. Talk to your healthcare provider if this happens to you. There might be alternative muscle relaxers that are better options for you.

Withdrawal symptoms

  • Risk factors: Taking tizanidine (Zanaflex) for more than 9 weeks | Taking high doses of tizanidine (Zanaflex) | Also taking narcotic pain medications | Stopping tizanidine (Zanaflex) suddenly

If you stop taking tizanidine (Zanaflex) suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms, including high blood pressure, a fast heartbeat, and muscle stiffness. This is more common if you've been taking a total of 20 mg to 36 mg per day for more than 9 weeks and then suddenly stop. It's also more likely to happen if you are taking both tizanidine (Zanaflex) and certain pain medications, such as oxycodone or morphine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you would like to stop taking tizanidine (Zanaflex). They can help you lower your dose safely.

Allergic reactions

Severe allergic reactions to tizanidine (Zanaflex) are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Call 911 if this happens. If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using tizanidine (Zanaflex), call your healthcare provider right away.

Strengths

Capsule

  • 2mg
  • 4mg
  • 6mg

Tablet

  • 2mg
  • 4mg

Dosages

  • Adults: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth every 6 to 8 hours, as needed (up to 3 doses a day). If needed, your provider might raise your dose every few days, up to a total of 36 mg per day.

Your dose might be different if you have liver or kidney problems.

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Interactions

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Tizanidine (Zanaflex). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Side-effects

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dry mouth (49%)
  • Sleepiness (48%)
  • Weakness (41%)
  • Dizziness (16%)
  • Urinary tract infection (10%)

Other Side Effects

  • Infections
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Blurry vision

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Allergic reaction: trouble breathing, itchy skin or rash, closing of the throat or swelling of the tongue

When do Tizanidine (Zanaflex) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect in red.
The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

  • Continuing vomiting
  • General feeling of tiredness or weakness
  • Headache
  • Light-colored stools

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

  • Blurred vision
  • Change in consciousness
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Confusion
  • Decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • Difficult or troubled breathing
  • Dizziness, faintness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying position
  • Irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
  • Severe sleepiness
  • Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Sleepiness
  • Weakness

Less common

Common Concerns

Take tizanidine (Zanaflex) as instructed by your provider. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) tablets come in a few different strengths. How many tablets you can take per dose depend on the total milligrams you've been prescribed and what strength of tizanidine (Zanaflex) tablets you've been dispensed. If you're starting tizanidine (Zanaflex) for the first time, your provider will typically prescribe tizanidine (Zanaflex) 2 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed, for a maximum of 3 doses per day. Never take more tizanidine (Zanaflex) than what's been prescribed without being told to do so by your provider. Doing so can lead to serious side effects, such as dangerously low blood pressure and extreme sleepiness.
No, tizanidine (Zanaflex) isn't a narcotic. A narcotic is an opioid pain reliever. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer and doesn't treat pain the same way a narcotic medication does.
In general, you'll start to feel the effects of tizanidine (Zanaflex) about 1 to 2 hours after you take your dose. But this can differ depending on whether you're taking tizanidine (Zanaflex) capsules or tablets, and whether you have food in your stomach. If you take tizanidine (Zanaflex) tablets with food, you might feel their effects more quickly. But if you take tizanidine (Zanaflex) capsules, it can take longer before you experience their effects.
After the effect of tizanidine (Zanaflex) kicks in (which might take 1 to 2 hours), you can expect it to last up to 6 hours after that. Because of this, your provider will probably prescribe one dose of tizanidine (Zanaflex) every 6 to 8 hours.
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) isn't FDA-approved to help with sleep. But some researchers have studied how tizanidine (Zanaflex) might help certain people with muscle stiffness and rigidity fall asleep and stay asleep. Because tizanidine (Zanaflex) can cause extreme sleepiness as a side effect, some providers might consider this medication for people with insomnia that's caused by muscle spasticity problems. If you have questions about tizanidine (Zanaflex) and sleep, talk with your provider.
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) doesn't cause physical and mental dependence like controlled substances do. But it can cause withdrawal symptoms (e.g., high blood pressure, tremors, muscle rigidity, anxiety) if you stop taking it all of a sudden. These symptoms are more likely to happen if you've been taking higher doses of tizanidine (Zanaflex) for a long period of time. If you want to stop taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), talk with your provider so they can help you lower your dose slowly and avoid withdrawal symptoms.
People who took tizanidine (Zanaflex) in clinical trials didn't report weight gain as a side effect. If you find yourself gaining weight, speak with your provider because it could be caused by something else.
More research is needed to understand if tizanidine (Zanaflex) is safe to take during pregnancy. Animal studies suggest that birth defects aren't likely, but still possible. Talk with your provider if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. They can recommend a muscle relaxant that's safer to take during pregnancy.
While both tizanidine (Zanaflex) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) are muscle relaxers, they're not the same medication. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is used for muscle spasticity, which can be thought of as stiff or rigid muscles that won't relax. It's helpful for certain conditions, like multiple sclerosis (MS). On the other hand, cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is typically only taken for a short period of time to treat muscle spasms that result from an injury, such as through sports or a car accident.

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