Zanaflex Side Effects: Quick Guide

Zanaflex (generic name tizanidine) is a muscle relaxer doctors often prescribe for back pain or spasticity. It works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to tighten. When you start the pill, your body may react in a few ways. Knowing those reactions ahead of time can keep you from getting surprised.

Common Zanaflex Side Effects

Most people notice one or two of these within the first few days:

• Drowsiness or fatigue – you’ll feel sleepy, especially after a dose.
• Dry mouth – your mouth can feel sticky; sipping water helps.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness – standing up too fast may make you woozy.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) – you might feel a sudden drop in energy.
• Weakness or muscle fatigue – the drug relaxes muscles, sometimes a bit too much.

Less common but still worth watching are liver‑function changes, trouble sleeping, or blurry vision. If any symptom feels severe, call your pharmacist or doctor right away.

Managing and Reducing Side Effects

Here are practical steps you can take:

1. Take Zanaflex with food. A light snack can blunt the drowsy feeling.
2. Stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day eases dry mouth.
3. Rise slowly. When you get up from a chair or bed, pause for a few seconds to let blood pressure settle.
4. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives. Mixing them can make sleepiness dangerous.
5. Keep a medication diary. Write down when you feel side effects and what you ate – it helps your doctor adjust the dose.

If drowsiness interferes with work or driving, ask your doctor about a lower dose or a different timing (like taking it at night). Some people split the total daily dose into smaller pieces to keep the blood level steady and side effects mild.

Regular lab tests may be recommended, especially if you have liver disease or take other meds that affect the liver. The labs let your doctor see if Zanaflex is putting extra strain on your system.

Never stop the medication abruptly without talking to a healthcare professional. Stopping suddenly can cause a rebound increase in muscle tension.

In short, Zanaflex can be a helpful tool for muscle spasms, but it brings a predictable set of side effects. Recognizing them early, staying hydrated, moving carefully, and keeping open communication with your prescriber will keep the benefits while minimizing the downsides.