You should not take Zanaflex Capsules® (tizanidine hydrochloride) if you are currently taking fluvoxamine (Luvox®), ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) or clonidine (Catapres® and Catapres TTS®). Please be aware that there is limited information about the long-term use of Zanaflex® (more than one year) or use by people who are taking more than 8 mg in a single dose or more than 24 mg per day. Zanaflex Capsules® may cause side effects in some people, including the following:
- Sudden drop in blood pressure: Some people in clinical studies experienced this effect, known as “hypotension.”
- Possible liver damage. Changes in liver function tests have been found in some patients which could be the result of liver damage. In most cases, these changes resolved when the drug was stopped. In very rare cases, liver damage was permanent.
- Sleepiness: You should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this drug. Sleepiness could be made worse if you take your medication with alcohol or certain other drugs.
- Hallucinations: In two studies, a small percentage of people had hallucinations (saw things that did not really exist).
- The most common side effects reported in clinical studies were dry mouth, sleepiness, weakness and dizziness.
Talk to Your Doctor
Consult with your doctor if you have kidney or liver damage and if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also talk to your doctor about any medicines you are currently taking, including birth control pills. Since this medication can decrease your spasticity, please be careful when using Zanaflex Capsules® if your spasticity helps you with posture or balance. Your experience with Zanaflex Capsules® may change depending on whether you take this medication with food or without food, including potential changes in efficacy and side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take your medication. Suddenly stopping treatment can cause certain medical problems; therefore, you should always talk to your doctor before deciding to stop Zanaflex Capsules® treatment.