Skelaxin is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) in the brain.
Skelaxin is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat discomfort associated with acute skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.
Skelaxin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Skelaxin if you are allergic to metaxalone, or if you have anemia (a lack of red blood cells), or severe kidney or liver disease.
Before using Skelaxin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Skelaxin.
Skelaxin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Skelaxin.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Skelaxin?
You should not use Skelaxin if you are allergic to metaxalone, or if you have:
Before using Skelaxin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medicine.
Skelaxin may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether metaxalone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Skelaxin?
Take Skelaxin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Skelaxin.
Skelaxin is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include rest, physical therapy, or other pain relief measures. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Store Skelaxin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Skelaxin can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid?
Skelaxin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Skelaxin. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Skelaxin. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other muscle relaxer.
Skelaxin 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. Stop using Skelaxin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
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low fever;
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dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
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jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious Skelaxin side effects may include:
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drowsiness, dizziness;
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feeling nervous or irritable;
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headache;
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mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach; or
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skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Skelaxin?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Skelaxin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
