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The opioid crisis has prompted healthcare providers to explore alternative pain relief options, such as muscle relaxants, to mitigate the risk of opioid dependency. Medications like metaxalone work by targeting the central nervous system (CNS) to inhibit nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, thereby alleviating pain from acute muscle spasms or strains. Although it is considered less addictive than opioids, metaxalone side effects do include the potential for dependence and overdose. These medications are meant for short-term treatment; however, a concerning trend reported by Penn Medicine News indicates a significant increase in muscle relaxant prescriptions for chronic pain management. Alarmingly, in 2016, 70% of patients receiving muscle relaxants were also prescribed opioids, creating a dangerous mix that heightens the risk of misuse, addiction, and overdose.
Side effects of metaxalone can include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea, which may be intensified when combined with other CNS depressants like opioids or alcohol, further elevating the risk of addiction and overdose. The recommended duration for using metaxalone and similar muscle relaxants is typically limited to three weeks, as they have not proven effective for muscle spasms beyond this period and can lead to serious complications such as falls, liver and kidney damage, dependence, and overdose. As a CNS depressant, metaxalone can induce drowsiness and a sense of relaxation, especially when taken with other depressants, which may enhance euphoric sensations. These side effects can tempt individuals to misuse the drug for recreational purposes, increasing the likelihood of developing an addiction. People may turn to metaxalone for its calming effects to cope with stress, anxiety, and pain, and with prolonged use, they risk building tolerance and dependence.
Metaxalone addiction is uncommon, yet it can occur with prolonged use, especially among those with a history of substance use disorder. While its potential for addiction is not as high as that of opioids, some individuals may still misuse the drug. When tolerance and dependence develop, withdrawal symptoms can arise. Although these symptoms are generally milder than those associated with other pain medications, they can still lead to ongoing use as individuals seek to avoid discomfort. Additionally, psychological dependence may form, particularly if metaxalone is used to cope with stress, anxiety, or pain. Overcoming addiction to metaxalone can be challenging, but comprehensive rehabilitation programs at a prescription drug detox center in Los Angeles offer the support and treatment needed for lasting recovery.
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Can Metaxalone Cause Anemia?
While rare, metaxalone can cause anemia, specifically a type called “hemolytic anemia.” This condition arises when red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than the body can produce new ones, a process referred to as hemolysis. It is most frequently observed in individuals who already have anemia or are predisposed to it. The precise way in which metaxalone may induce hemolytic anemia remains unclear, but it is generally understood that drug-induced hemolytic anemia can occur through various mechanisms. In certain instances, a substance within the drug or its metabolites may provoke the immune system to mistakenly identify red blood cells as invaders, resulting in their destruction. Additionally, some muscle relaxants, including metaxalone, can create oxidative stress that harms red blood cells. There is also a possibility that the drug or its metabolites could directly damage these cells, leading to their accelerated breakdown, although this is quite rare.
Fortunately, these adverse effects of metaxalone can be effectively managed. One of the best tips for safely taking prescription medications like metaxalone is to stop the medication and address symptoms as the anemia resolves. A case study featured in the Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives highlighted a woman who experienced hemolytic anemia after using metaxalone; she showed significant improvement in her symptoms after discontinuing the drug and receiving treatment with glucocorticoids and rituximab.
Does Metaxalone Make You Nauseous?
One of the most common side effects of metaxalone and similar muscle relaxants is nausea, along with vomiting and stomach discomfort. Several factors can lead to nausea when taking metaxalone, such as irritation of the stomach lining, which tends to be more severe with higher doses. Additionally, since metaxalone acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, it can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially leading to gastrointestinal (GI) issues. The likelihood of experiencing nausea increases when metaxalone is combined with other medications, especially other CNS depressants. This combination can amplify its sedative effects, creating dangerous situations where individuals may lose consciousness and vomit, which raises the risk of pulmonary aspiration. If a person is unconscious, they could choke on their vomit, leading to respiratory depression and even death.
Can Metaxalone Cause Headaches?
Metaxalone can lead to drowsiness and sedation, which may trigger headaches as a secondary effect due to its sedative nature. Headaches are among the most frequently reported metaxalone side effects along with dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset. This medication operates by influencing the central nervous system (CNS) to alleviate muscle spasms, which can disrupt normal brain function and contribute to various side effects, including headaches. Additionally, some muscle relaxants may affect blood vessel tone or circulation in the brain, causing vasodilation or alterations in blood flow, which can also lead to headaches. Furthermore, muscle relaxants can have mild dehydrating effects on the body, and dehydration is a well-known headache trigger, particularly for those not adequately hydrating or replenishing electrolytes.
The likelihood of experiencing headaches increases when metaxalone is taken with other medications or substances, especially depressants like alcohol and opioids, as these can enhance its sedative effects. Such amplified sedative effects pose significant risks beyond just headaches, as CNS depressants can dangerously slow breathing and heart rate, potentially leading to respiratory failure. Most fatal overdoses involving metaxalone occur from respiratory failure as a result of combining it with other sedatives.
Is Metaxalone Hard on the Liver?
As with many medications, metaxalone is metabolized in the liver, which can potentially affect the liver, especially in those with pre-existing liver conditions or when taken in high doses or over long periods, as noted by BuzzRx. Generally, it is viewed as having a lower likelihood of causing liver damage compared to various other drugs, meaning that individuals with healthy liver function who use it for a brief period typically have little to worry about. Nonetheless, caution is advised when combining metaxalone with substances that can strain the liver, such as alcohol. Furthermore, mixing metaxalone with alcohol can increase the chances of misuse, dependence, and addiction, requiring detox for prescription drug addiction in Los Angeles.
Contact Muse Treatment for Help With Metaxalone Side Effects
Metaxalone is not as commonly misused as many other substances, but there is still a risk of dependence and addiction, especially with prolonged use, when taken for its calming effects, or when combined with other drugs or alcohol, as metaxalone side effects can intensify when it is mixed with other substances. If you find yourself struggling with metaxalone misuse or dependence, Muse Treatment offers tailored treatment programs designed to tackle the root causes of addiction and assist patients in safely discontinuing metaxalone use. Muscle relaxants like metaxalone are often prescribed for chronic pain, which can lead to unintentional dependence that may go unnoticed until withdrawal symptoms arise during attempts to stop, making the process of quitting even more challenging. At Muse Treatment, our medical detox program provides expert guidance on tapering off metaxalone and managing medication to alleviate drug withdrawal symptoms, ensuring a more comfortable and successful recovery journey.
If you or a loved one are facing side effects from metaxalone and find it difficult to stop on your own, reach out to Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 to explore your treatment options.
External Sources
- Penn Medicine News – Long-term Use of Muscle Relaxants Has Skyrocketed Since 2005
- Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives – Metaxalone-induced immune hemolytic anemia
- BuzzRx – Metaxalone for Muscle Pain: Dosage, Side Effects, and Interactions
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