Skelaxin

Chronic Pain, Musculoskeletal Diseases
Treatment
2 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Skelaxin

What is Skelaxin

MetaxaloneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMetaxalone is a medication used to relieve muscle pain, spasms, and strains. It works by temporarily depressing the central nervous system. Metaxalone is sold under the brand name Skelaxin® and comes in an 800 mg scored tablet. This drug has few side effects and is generally safe for most people to use.
Skelaxinis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Skelaxin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Skelaxin
Metaxalone
1962
134

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Metaxalone, otherwise called Skelaxin, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses which include Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Diseases .
Chronic Pain
Helps manage Pain
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Helps manage Musculoskeletal Disorders

Effectiveness

How Skelaxin Affects PatientsMetaxalone is a drug that helps relieve pain and discomfort from muscle issues. It works by helping people rest, and can also be used in conjunction with physical therapy. The exact way it works is not known, but may be related to its calming effects. Metaxalone does not work by directly relaxing tense muscles.
How Skelaxin works in the bodyWe are not sure how metaxalone works, but it likely works by calming the central nervous system.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dose of Skelaxin is contingent upon the perceived sickness. The amount of dosage is dependent on the method of delivery listed in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Chronic Pain
800.0 mg, , 400.0 mg, 640.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Kit
Musculoskeletal Diseases
800.0 mg, , 400.0 mg, 640.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Kit

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Skelaxin.
Common Skelaxin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Azelastine
Major
Metaxalone may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Ethanol
Major
Metaxalone may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.
Methylene blue
Major
Metaxalone may increase the serotonergic activities of Methylene blue.
Mirtazapine
Major
Metaxalone may increase the serotonergic activities of Mirtazapine.
Oliceridine
Major
The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Metaxalone is combined with Oliceridine.
Skelaxin Toxicity & Overdose RiskTests on rats and mice have found that the toxic dose of the drug is 775mg/kg and 1690mg/kg respectively. As the dosage increases, symptoms such as sedation, hypnosis, and eventually difficulty breathing were observed. Dogs showed signs of nausea after 15-30 minutes of being given the drug. Other common side effects of overdose include vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and irritability.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Skelaxin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Skelaxin?

177 active clinical trials are presently being conducted to evaluate the potential of Skelaxin in treating Musculoskeletal Disorders.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Musculoskeletal Diseases
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Chronic Pain
173 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Skelaxin Reviews: What are patients saying about Skelaxin?

5Patient Review
2/16/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
This medication quickly and effectively alleviated my muscle cramps. I was previously taking Flexeril, which worked well for me until it was discontinued.
5Patient Review
5/30/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I started taking this yesterday and it has already done wonders for my muscle spasms. I was in a lot of pain yesterday, but today I can walk and climb stairs with only some residual pain. So far there haven't been any negative side effects like upset stomach, which is great.
5Patient Review
1/30/2015
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I'm glad I found this treatment. It's been really helpful, even though it can be tough to keep up with the recommended dosage schedule.
5Patient Review
7/13/2015
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
Skelaxin was a huge help for me after I hurt my neck and shoulders. The pain was constant, but after a few weeks on this medication, it got much better. I could actually function again without being in constant pain.
5Patient Review
6/19/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
Skelaxin is a really great relaxer, and it's helped me a lot. However, I find it to be quite expensive. Are there any other options out there that are cheaper but just as effective?
4.7Patient Review
3/10/2015
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
This was a great treatment and I would definitely recommend it to others.
4.7Patient Review
1/29/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I felt relief and relaxation from this treatment within one hour.
4.3Patient Review
7/29/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I take half a pill of this treatment (100 mg) with advil when my lower back is in spasm and it usually takes care of the pain within a few days. I think some people may not be seeing results because they're taking too much of the medication - less is definitely more in this case.
4Patient Review
11/12/2015
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
This medication is the only one we've tried that provides relief from muscle spasms almost immediately.
3.7Patient Review
6/14/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I only took this drug when I experienced stress-induced spasms in my neck, and it worked great-- up until I developed a sensitivity to the medication. Once that happened, it started causing swelling in my hands and throat, as well as itchiness and tongue swelling. Super scary stuff.
3.7Patient Review
6/1/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
Helps with spasms stemming from disk issues, but doesn't do much for the related pain. Unfortunately, I've also developed a pretty sizable hemorrhoid as a result of this medication.
3.3Patient Review
5/5/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
After a week of taking this medication, I developed mouth sores. Has anyone else had this issue?
2.7Patient Review
1/22/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I didn't find this medication helpful at all for my back pain. The only difference I noticed was that I had very vivid dreams! If you're considering this medication, I hope you have better luck than I did.
2.7Patient Review
7/24/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I have terrible leg cramps that start from my hips and go all the way down to my toes. They usually last for about two hours, during which time my feet turn inward. I'm currently going through tests to try and find the cause, and in the meantime my doctor prescribed Skelaxin. It does help a little bit, but it doesn't completely stop the cramping.
2.3Patient Review
7/26/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I've had severe spasms for 35 years and this is the only muscle relaxant that has worked for me, albeit not very long-lasting.
2Patient Review
3/4/2014
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
I'm 80 years old and I injured my back. I've been taking this medication three times a day for two days, but haven't seen any improvement. In fact, Aleve worked better for me.
1Patient Review
5/30/2018
Skelaxin for Muscle Spasm
Terrible experience. Vomiting, stomach aches, racing heart, insomnia. I had to drink a gallon of milk just to feel better. Would not recommend this medication to anyone.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about skelaxin

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Skelaxin a strong muscle relaxer?

"No, metaxalone does not relieve pain from other sources such as inflammatory or nerve pain."

Answered by AI

Is Skelaxin an anti inflammatory?

"Metaxalone is a skeletal muscle relaxant that is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and an analgesic (painkiller)."

Answered by AI

What is Skelaxin 800 mg prescribed for?

"Skelaxin is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain. Skelaxin can be used alone or with other medications. Skelaxin is a type of drug called a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant."

Answered by AI

Is Skelaxin the same as Flexeril?

"Both Skelaxin and Flexeril are used to treat painful muscle spasms and have similar side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea or stomach upset/pain."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Skelaxin

Have you considered Skelaxin clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Skelaxin, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Skelaxin clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Skelaxin, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Skelaxin clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Skelaxin, we think they might fit your search criteria.