Generic Name: metaxalone (meh-TAX-ah-lone)

Brand Names: Skelaxin®

Classification: Muscle Relaxant

Issue Date: 1976

Skelaxin is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Skelaxin is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.

Do not take Skelaxin if you have acute intermittent porphyria.

Before taking Skelaxin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.

It is not known whether Skelaxin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Skelaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether Skelaxin passes into breast milk. Do not take Skelaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Skelaxin is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Take Skelaxin 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. Store Skelaxin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Skelaxin 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 Skelaxin.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Skelaxin overdose are unknown but might include:

• low blood pressure
• weakness
• fainting
• confusion
• nausea
• severe drowsiness
• decreased breathing
• unconsciousness

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

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking nefazodone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• yellow skin or eyes

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Skelaxin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• headache
• nervousness
• irritability
• nausea
• upset stomach
• vomiting

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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

• brompheniramine (Dimetane®, Bromfed®)
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®, Teldrin®)
• azatadine (Optimine®)
• clemastine (Tavist®)
• meperidine (Demerol®)
• morphine (MSContin®, MSIR®)
• propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
• hydrocodone (Lorcet®, Vicodin®)
• oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®)
• fentanyl (Duragesic®)
• codeine (Fiorinal®, Fioricet®, Tylenol#3®)
• phenobarbital (Solfoton®, Luminal®)
• amobarbital (Amytal®)
• secobarbital (Seconal®)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
• fluphenazine (Prolixin®)
• mesoridazine (Serentil®)
• perphenazine (Trilafon®)
• prochlorperazine (Compazine®)
• thioridazine (Mellaril®)
• trifluoperazine (Stelazine®)
• 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 Skelaxin. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.