Generic Name: orphenadrine (ore-FEN-a-drin)

Brand Names: Norflex®

Classification: Muscle Relaxant

Issue Date: 1985

Norflex is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

Norflex is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries, Fibromyalgia and other painful muscular conditions.

Although it has not been approved by the FDA for this purpose, Norflex has also been used to treat nighttime leg cramps that have not responded to other medicines.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Norflex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Norflex. Do not crush or chew the extended-release tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

Do not take Norflex if you have:

• glaucoma
• an obstruction or an ulcer in your stomach
• an enlarged prostate or a blockage in your urinary tract (difficulty urinating)
• myasthenia gravis

Before taking Norflex, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• heart disease

You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy. It is not known whether Norflex will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Norflex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Norflex passes into breast milk. Do not take Norflex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Norflex is not approved for use in children.

Take Norflex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Norflex is usually taken two tablets per day; one in the morning and one in the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush or chew the extended-release tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body. Store Norflex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Missed Dosage
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

In Case of Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Norflex overdose include:

• seizure (convulsions)
• uneven heartbeats
• blood pressure
• dizziness
• fainting
• fcold, clammy skin
• confusion
• coma

Death can occur in 3 to 5 hours

What To Avoid
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Norflex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Norflex.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• an irregular or a very fast heartbeat
• confusion, hallucinations, or abnormal behavior

Less serious side effects include:

• dry mouth
• drowsiness or dizziness
• headache
• tremor
• blurred vision or large pupils
• difficulty urinating
• nausea, stomach upset, or constipation

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Tell your doctor if you are taking amantadine (Symmetrel®) before starting Norflex therapy. Norflex and amantadine (Symmetrel®) can both cause side effects such as:

• dry mouth
• difficulty urinating
• constipation
• blurred vision

Together, these side effects may be more pronounced.

Many drugs can increase the effects of Norflex, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• antihistamines such as:
  • brompheniramine (Dimetane®, Bromfed®, others)
  • chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®, Teldrin®, others)
  • azatadine (Optimine®)
  • clemastine (Tavist®)
  and many others
• narcotics (pain killers) such as:
  • meperidine (Demerol®)
  • morphine (MS Contin®, MSIR®, others)
  • propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
  • hydrocodone (Lorcet®, Vicodin®)
  • oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®)
  • fentanyl (Duragesic®)
  • codeine (Fiorinal®, Fioricet®, Tylenol #3®, others)
• sedatives such as:
  • phenobarbital (Solfoton®, Luminal®)
  • amobarbital (Amytal®)
  • secobarbital (Seconal®)
• phenothiazines such as:
  • chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
  • fluphenazine (Prolixin®)
  • mesoridazine (Serentil®)
  • perphenazine (Trilafon®)
  • prochlorperazine (Compazine®)
  • thioridazine (Mellaril®)
  • trifluoperazine (Stelazine®)
• antidepressants such as:
  • doxepin (Sinequan®)
  • imipramine (Tofranil®)
  • nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
  • fluoxetine (Prozac®)
  • paroxetine (Paxil®)
  • sertraline (Zoloft®)
  • phenelzine (Nardil®)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate®)

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Norflex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.