Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Metaxalone

Metaxalone: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Metaxalone?

Metaxalone tablet is the brand name for ‘Skelaxin’, and a moderate skeletal muscle relaxant chemically constituted of phenol ethers, a class of aromatic organic compounds. It falls under the category of long-acting skeletal muscle relaxants. The drug is mainly used to treat painful muscle spasms, strains, and acute painful musculoskeletal disorders. It is a short-term, centrally acting relaxant providing relief from stiffness, tension, muscle injury, and rigidity of muscles.

What are the uses of Metaxalone?

Metaxalone is a phenyl ether derivative and has to be used with rest and physical therapy to relieve inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. It works by blocking nerve impulses or painful sensations in the central nervous system. It has uses in the following medical conditions-

  1. Acute painful muscle spasms.
  2. Muscle stress, strain, and discomfort.
  3. Skeletal muscle injury.
  4. Diseases affecting the nervous system: As an additional drug to conventional therapy in moderate-to-severe cases, it can improve muscle movement.

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    What are the side effects of Metaxalone?

    Most side effects are minimal and go off on their own without medical intervention or require any emergency treatment. However, doctors’ advice is recommended if symptoms become severe, such as drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, tremors, breathing difficulties, and severe skin reaction.

    The most common side effects of Metaxalone are as follows-

    • Gastrointestinal- Stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea
    • Neurological- Headache, Dizziness, Confusion, Drowsiness
    • Hematologic- Rarely reported as leukopenia or hemolytic anemia

    What is Metaxalone

    Uses of Metaxalone

    Side effects of Metaxalone

    References

    1. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/metaxalone.html
    2. https://www.rxlist.com/skelaxin-drug.htm
    3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7898/metaxalone-oral/details

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Metaxalone

    Metaxalone isn't a narcotic but a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant that has side effects related to the central nervous system, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and nervousness. The medicine should be taken as per the doctors' advice, and if any consequences arise, they must be immediately reported by the patient. The withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening in some patients.

    Metaxalone 800 mg dose is not a controlled substance and cannot cause dependence when taken within prescribed limits. Since the drug acts centrally on the brain and spinal cord, there is a sense of relief and depression in the central nervous system. The drug has a higher potential for substance abuse and hence to be taken cautiously.

    Metaxalone is known to be one of the most tolerant skeletal muscle relaxants with minor side effects. Unlike other skeletal muscle relaxants, the drug does not increase blood pressure. Certain medications such as cyclobenzaprine can block the effect of guanethidine, a blood pressure-lowering drug, subsequently increasing the patient's blood pressure.

    Metaxalone 800 mg is not a controlled drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and possesses no pregnancy risk. If the drug is used for long-term treatment, it can cause hepatotoxicity and renal dysfunction. However, the drug has the lowest sedation potential and minimal side effects that can wane off on its own.

    Metaxalone is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that directly affects the muscle tissue, blocking the nerve impulses and acting as a pain reliever in acute, traumatic, and inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. It has outperformed anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs and Ibuprofen in treating inflammation and acute muscle pain along with proper rest and physical exercise.

    The chance of getting a severe allergic reaction is scarce, and most of the side effects are minimal and do not require any medical attention. However, suppose you notice any severe signs such as rashes, hives, inflammatory swelling with allergy and symptoms of breathlessness, irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or any other. In that case, you should immediately report to the concerned health facility and seek medical help.

    Metaxalone has an exact unknown mechanism of action, but since the drug acts on the brain and spinal cord, it blocks the nerve impulses from the central nervous system to reach the muscle tissue. It is known to cause a sedative effect by preventing the pain signals from reaching the brain. The drug must be taken along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatment for best results.

    The most common side effects of metaxalone include drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, and confusion. The drug is known to cause a sedative effect because of its centrally acting mechanism of action and depression of the central nervous system. However, the outcome may be short-lived, but if required, a doctor's advice is recommended.

    Metaxalone is a moderate muscle relaxant with minimal side effects and is best tolerated in the category of muscle relaxants. The drug acts by blocking nerve impulses and causing relief from muscle pain, acute painful spasms, and muscle rigidity. The drug is known to improve muscle stiffness and movement.

    Metaxalone can help with anxiety by relaxing the central nervous system and consequent side effects of dizziness, drowsiness, and sedation. The drug is a short-term therapy. If you experience any harmful side effects such as restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, or any other unusual condition, it must be reported immediately.