Josh Chandler | May 23, 2024

What is Tizanidine?

Tizanidine is an oral tablet or capsule medication used to treat muscle spasticity. It is also prescribed to treat muscular sclerosis and spinal injuries. Tizanidine is a generic drug; the name-brand drug for this medication is called Zanaflex. People who experience muscle tightness or spasms may benefit from a prescription for this medication.

At Muse Treatment, our experienced clinicians often prescribe medications to treat withdrawal symptoms or other symptoms related to substance use disorders and recovery. Our clinicians are licensed, experienced, and dedicated to providing treatment tailored to each client’s needs. Our rehab center offers comprehensive treatment programs that allow clinicians to meet clients wherever they are on their recovery journey. Our programs include residential inpatient treatment, outpatient therapy, medical detox, and aftercare. 

Our clinicians also provide medication-assisted treatment and dual diagnosis treatment for clients who need it. We carefully evaluate each client’s condition to recommend the ideal treatment. Our rehab features a positive and safe setting complemented by comfortable furnishings and amenities. Our clinicians employ a wide range of therapeutic approaches to promote long-term recovery. Our treatment modalities include medically traditional therapies, alternative therapies, and holistic treatments. Together, these approaches target each aspect of substance addiction. 

During your recovery journey, you may benefit from medication that treats symptoms associated with your condition. Some clients may experience muscle spasticity and need a medication like Tizanidine for symptom relief. If you need medication, our clinical staff can help. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, remember that Muse Treatment’s Los Angeles drug rehab center can provide you with the support you need to achieve lasting recovery. 

 

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Overview of Tizanidine

Tizanidine is a medication generally prescribed by physicians to treat muscle spasticity. Doctors may also prescribe this medication to treat muscular sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Tizanidine is an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist. These drugs reduce nerve activity associated with the spinal cord, which results in fewer muscle spasms. This drug is prescribed in either tablet or capsule form.

Tizanidine: Classification and Drug Type

As an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist. This is a class of drugs that targets spinal cord nerves. Reducing the activity of some spinal cord nerves that control muscles can reduce muscle spasms. Some people may have a condition or injury that causes muscle spasms. Muscle spasticity can be a symptom of withdrawal for some people who are recovering from a substance use disorder. 

How Tizanidine Works in the Body

Tizanidine works in the body by targeting nerves that control certain muscles. Conditions such as muscular sclerosis or spinal cord injuries can cause the muscles to spasm. Muscle spasms can be uncomfortable–even painful — and impact a person’s mobility. Tizanidine reduces the activity of these muscles and, by doing so, reduces the number of spasms. The result is that people feel a reduction in this uncomfortable symptom. 

Common Uses of Tizanidine

Often, Tizanidine may be prescribed for patients who report muscle spasms, muscle tightness, or muscle pain. Sometimes, these symptoms reflect a condition like multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury. However, these symptoms may also occur in association with drug or alcohol withdrawal. Muscle pain and muscle spasticity are common withdrawal symptoms. Clients who experience muscle spasticity or muscle pain may be prescribed Tizanidine or its brand equivalent for relief. 

 

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Side Effects and Risks Associated with Tizanidine

As with many medications, there are some side effects and associated risks that patients should be mindful of if they are prescribed Tizanidine. Common side effects of Tizanidine are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness/lightheadedness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Runny nose
  • Vision problems
  • Sore throat

More serious symptoms may also occur, so it’s important to be aware of them. Other side effects of Tizanidine include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Weakness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Liver damage

If you are prescribed this medication, it’s important to alert your healthcare provider to any side effects. You may need emergency medical care if symptoms worsen or serious side effects occur. Remember, too, that, like many medications, Tizanidine can interact with other drugs. Be sure your clinician knows what medications or drugs you are taking, as they could cause serious side effects. 

Tizanidine and Dependency: Understanding the Risks

Some people may develop a dependency on Tizanidine. Some patients may like the drowsiness the medication causes or other effects in addition to the relief they feel from muscle spasticity and pain. If you become dependent on this medication, you may need help overcoming it. Muse Treatment, of course, specializes in substance abuse.

We help patients learn to manage their substance use disorders using the best practices and techniques available today. A prescription drug abuse problem or addiction can be just as serious as an addiction to an illicit drug. A substance addiction is a chronic condition that is unlikely to improve without treatment. Be sure that you understand the risks of Tizanidine dependence before using this medication. 

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Interactions and Precautions

Tizanidine can interact with other medications, drugs, and alcohol. It’s important to tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking or intend to take while using Tizanidine. Harmful interactions between the drugs can occur. Certain drugs can increase the risk for negative side effects; these drugs include Zileuton, some antacids, oral contraceptives, and some antibiotics. Your doctor should provide you with a full list of drugs that can cause unwanted side effects if used with Tizanidine. Also, alcohol can increase the impact of Tizanidine, heightening the risk of negative effects. Also, some drugs, like certain antidepressants taken with Tizanidine, can increase fatigue. 

Dosage and Administration Recommendations

The dose of Tizanidine a doctor prescribes depends on each patient’s condition and needs. The dose and form of the drug prescribed depends on the individual’s age, severity of the symptoms/condition, other medical conditions, and reactions to the first dose. The general starting dose is for doctors to prescribe 2 mg every 6-8 hours. Because the medication can impact the kidneys and liver, patients aged 65 and older may be prescribed a smaller dose or may not be prescribed this medication based on the condition of their organs and overall health. Again, it’s up to the prescribing physician to determine the proper dose for patients.

 

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Muse Treatment’s Approach to Managing Muscle Spasticity

If you have muscle spasticity, you may be prescribed Tizanidine. No matter what medication a Muse clinician prescribes, expect them to monitor your condition and reaction to the drug closely. Our clinicians always tailor treatment to the needs of each patient. If this medication is ideal for you, you may be prescribed it. Muse Treatment Center aims to help patients feel comfortable during their recovery journey. If your withdrawal symptoms prove severe, we will provide treatments to reduce the severity and support your well-being. 

Contact Muse Treatment or call 800-426-1818 to learn more about our therapeutic options and treatment programs. We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment, clinically supervised detox and aftercare, and evidence-based, alternative, and holistic therapies. Call us to learn more about our enrollment process. The sooner you get treatment, the better for your health.

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Josh Chandler
Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.


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