BRAND NAME: Skelaxin

GENERIC NAME: Metaxalone

SKELAXIN NOTES: This medication relaxes muscles. It is used along with rest and physical therapy to decrease muscle pain and spasms associated with strains, sprains or other muscle injuries.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually 3 or 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. If you take this medication after a high-fat meal and experience side effects, it may be best to take this drug on an empty stomach or after a light meal.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed because the risk of side effects may increase.This medication is intended for short-term use, usually no longer than 3 weeks, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your condition does not improve in 2-3 weeks, contact your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, lightheadedness, dizziness or drowsiness may occur during the first few days as your body adjusts to this medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), yellowing eyes or skin, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, worsening of seizures.A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking metaxalone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe liver disease, severe kidney disease, history of low blood cell counts (e.g., hemolytic anemia, other anemias) due to a drug reaction.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, seizures.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness and drowsiness.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclic anti-depressants such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.This medication may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type). Make sure laboratory personnel and the doctors know you use this drug.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.  Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness or unconsciousness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember within 1 hour. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.