Zanaflex

Insomnia, Chronic Pain, Migraine + 10 more

Treatment

1 FDA approval

20 Active Studies for Zanaflex

What is Zanaflex

Tizanidine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Tizanidine is a medication used to treat muscle spasms. Muscle spasms can be caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury. It works by blocking the signals that cause muscle spasms, which makes them less painful and easier to control. Tizanidine was approved by the FDA in 1996 and is a fast-acting drug.

Zanaflex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Zanaflex Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Zanaflex

Tizanidine

1997

289

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Tizanidine, also known as Zanaflex, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses including Muscle Spasticity .

Muscle Spasticity

Helps manage Spasticity, Muscle

Effectiveness

How Zanaflex Affects Patients

Tizanidine is a medicine designed to reduce the spasticity of muscles, which is when they contract and relax involuntarily. This can cause reduced mobility and a lot of pain, which can make it difficult to carry out everyday activities. It works by binding to Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor sites and helps to reduce muscle spasm and clonus. It has a stronger effect on polysynaptic reflexes (when several relay neurons communicate with motor neurons that control muscle movement). Taking tizanidine can lower heart rate and blood pressure, but it can cause a rise in these if it is stopped suddenly.

How Zanaflex works in the body

Tizanidine works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscle spasms. It does this by attaching to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which are located on the nerves. This stops the release of certain excitatory neurotransmitters, like glutamate and aspartate, which tell the muscles to contract. Tizanidine also has a weak effect on the cardiovascular system, due to its attachment to alpha-1 receptors.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested quantity of Zanaflex is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Insomnia, smooth muscle relaxation before radiological procedures and Spasticity, Muscle. The amount of dosage may differ, in line with the administration approach (e.g. Kit; Tablet - Oral or Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral) presented in the following table.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Muscle Relaxation

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Muscle Spasticity

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Analgesics

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Insomnia

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Withdrawal From Addictive Substance; Detoxification

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Migraine

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Analgesics

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Epilepsy

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Chronic Pain

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Pain relief

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Low Back Pain

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Headache

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Therapeutic procedure

, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 6.0 mg

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Oral; Topical

Warnings

Zanaflex has four contraindications and should not be administered alongside the ailments noted in the following table.

Zanaflex Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

when this drug is needed to maintain basic function, including maintenance of upright posture and balance in locomotion

Do Not Combine

Hypersensitivity

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zanaflex.

Common Zanaflex Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Acenocoumarol

Major

The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Tizanidine.

Aminophylline

Major

The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Tizanidine.

Amitraz

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Tizanidine is combined with Amitraz.

Axitinib

Major

The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Tizanidine.

Azelastine

Major

Tizanidine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.

Zanaflex Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Tizanidine has an LD50 (the amount of a drug needed to cause toxicity in half of the test animals) of 414mg/kg when taken orally by rats and 282mg/kg when taken subcutaneously by rats. In mice, the oral LD50 is 235mg/kg. Animal studies have determined that this drug can cause harm to unborn babies, so it should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is also likely that tizanidine is excreted in breast milk, and young nursing rats given the drug have shown signs of central nervous system changes. Tizanidine has not been

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

Currently, 389 clinical trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Zanaflex in alleviating Insomnia, Chronic Pain and Epileptic Symptoms.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Chronic Pain

130 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 1

Analgesics

0 Actively Recruiting

Insomnia

0 Actively Recruiting

Withdrawal From Addictive Substance; Detoxification

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3

Muscle Spasticity

0 Actively Recruiting

Migraine

51 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1

Headache

0 Actively Recruiting

Muscle Relaxation

0 Actively Recruiting

Pain relief

15 Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 1

Low Back Pain

0 Actively Recruiting

Therapeutic procedure

0 Actively Recruiting

Analgesics

0 Actively Recruiting

Epilepsy

19 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 1

Zanaflex Reviews: What are patients saying about Zanaflex?

5

Patient Review

10/12/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

I take this medication before bed when needed, and I wake up feeling so much better than I would have otherwise.

5

Patient Review

10/8/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasms caused by a Spinal Disease

This medication has given me more relief than anything else I have tried.

5

Patient Review

10/8/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasms caused by a Spinal Disease

This medication is much more effective than anything else I've tried.

5

Patient Review

10/12/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

I take this medication before bed when needed, and it really helps me sleep through the night without feeling stiff in the morning.

4.3

Patient Review

2/7/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

Given my age and being on Medicare, this is the drug that was chosen for me. It doesn't have nearly as many side effects as other muscle relaxers. Yes, it makes me a bit sleepy, but I don't get constipated and I don't feel drowsy when I wake up in the morning. It helps with my muscle spasms, but I wish it did more. If I take a second one at night, it's more helpful, but then I can feel pretty groggy. So overall, I suggest trying it!

4.3

Patient Review

2/7/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

Given my age and Medicare status, this was the drug chosen for me. It's had fewer side effects than other muscle relaxers I've tried. It does make me a bit sleepy but there's no constipation and I don't feel drowsy when I wake up in the morning. It helps with my muscle spasms but I wish it did more. If I take two at night, it's more helpful but then I can feel pretty groggy in the morning.

4

Patient Review

5/1/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

I have biliary dyskinesia and take 4mg twice a day. It's been a big help with the pain and discomfort. So far, I haven't noticed any negative side effects.

4

Patient Review

4/7/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

4

Patient Review

5/1/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

This medication has been a big help for managing the pain and discomfort of biliary dyskinesia. I haven't experienced any negative side effects so far.

4

Patient Review

4/7/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

3.7

Patient Review

12/14/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

While this medication has some pretty severe side effects, it's the only thing that helps me get to sleep. I've been dealing with chronic pain ever since my accident in 2010, and this is the only relief I've found.

3.7

Patient Review

12/14/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

This medicine has made me hallucinate, faint, have irregular heart rate, and muscle twitching in my legs; however, it is the only medication that helps me sleep. I take 4mg w 50mg of benadryl every night.

2.3

Patient Review

4/24/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

I've got a spinal stimulator and permanent nerve damage. I take this med every night to help with the pain. It can make you pretty drowsy, so only take it when you're ready to sleep. Another downside is that it gives me really dry mouth; however, it's better than waking up in the middle of the night with debilitating charlie horses.

2.3

Patient Review

4/24/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

I have a spinal stimulator and permanent nerve damage. I take this medication every night before bed. It can make you very drowsy, so only take it when you're ready to sleep. Additionally, it gives me pretty bad dry mouth; however, the benefits of taking it outweigh the negative side effects.

1

Patient Review

4/19/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

I tried taking tizanidine, but it didn't work for me at all. I even took two pills and still felt nothing. The only thing it made me feel was tired, but I couldn't fall asleep.

1

Patient Review

2/23/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasms caused by a Spinal Disease

The hallucinations and nightmares this medication gave me were absolutely horrifying. I couldn't even sleep with the lights off. I would not recommend this to anyone.

1

Patient Review

2/23/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasms caused by a Spinal Disease

The side effects of this medication were so severe that I had to ask my husband to keep the lights on in our room all night. I was seeing scary images and having nightmares. It was honestly the worst experience of my life. I would never take this medication again.

1

Patient Review

4/19/2022

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

I tried tizanidine and it didn't work for me at all. I even took two pills, but the only thing it did was make me feel tired.

1

Patient Review

7/25/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

I felt like I was drugged when I took this. It was a terrible experience.

1

Patient Review

7/25/2021

Zanaflex for Muscle Spasm

This drug made me feel drowsy and groggy, like I'd been given anesthesia. It was a terrible experience.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about zanaflex

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

What is the drug Zanaflex used for?

"This medication is used to treat muscle spasms caused by certain conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury). It works by helping to relax the muscles."

Answered by AI

Do Zanaflex make you sleepy?

"This medicine may cause you to feel sleepy, dizzy, or weak. Be sure to take it at a time when you don't have to be alert. Tell your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects while using tizanidine."

Answered by AI

Is Zanaflex and Xanax the same?

"Zanaflex is not a combination of Xanax and Flexeril, despite the similar sounding names. Zanaflex and Flexeril work in similar ways by blocking nerve impulses to the brain, but they are different drugs."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Zanaflex

Image of AltaSciences, Inc in Cypress, United States.

SBS-147 Safety Study

18 - 55
All Sexes
Cypress, CA

This study is part of the HEAL Initiative supported by the NIH. The purpose of this study is to learn how safe the study drug, SBS-147, is and how people's bodies respond to and process it. Researchers will also look for any side effects that may occur when taking SBS-147. Some participants will receive SBS-147, and others will receive a placebo, which looks the same but does not contain any medicine. This helps researchers fairly compare results. The study includes two parts: Single-Dose Group, where Participants receive SBS-147 or placebo one time. Multiple-Dose Group, where Participants receive SBS-147 or placebo once or twice daily for 7 days.

Phase 1
Waitlist Available

AltaSciences, Inc

Jeff Reich, MD

Sparian Biosciences, Inc

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App-based Breathing Program for Migraine

18+
All Sexes
Phoenix, AZ

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders, characterized by recurrent headaches, sensitivity to light and movement, nausea, and autonomic dysregulation. Although mind-body interventions like biofeedback have shown their efficacy, they remain underutilized due to barriers such as transportation, time constraints, lack of awareness, stigma, and cost. A targeted approach to enhancing HRV is HRV biofeedback (HRVB), a technique using visual or auditory feedback to help people regulate HRV through slow-paced breathing and positive emotional regulation to promote ANS balance and emotional resilience. Investigators will conduct a remotely delivered pilot RCT of an 8-week, 10 min/day, novel app-based HRVB intervention compared to a sham control intervention (matching intervention time and attention with no biofeedback component) in adult with chronic migraine. Investigators hypothesize data collected from the study will: a) support the feasibility and acceptability of the remotely delivered app-based HRVB intervention among adults with chronic migraine, and b) provide insights into refining the intervention by examining patterns of change in migraine and psychological outcomes from pre- to post-intervention.

Waitlist Available
Online Trial

Arizona State University

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Cobenfy KarXT for Memory Loss

18 - 75
All Sexes
Dallas, TX

The goal of this study is to learn about the effects of Cobenfy KarXT (xanomeline and trospium chloride) on episodic memory processing, including specific effects on areas of the brain involved in memory and changes it may have on brain activity. The investigators will do this by testing epileptic patients who are already undergoing intracranial surgery for seizure monitoring, and measuring the activity from the brain areas being assessed. The main questions it aims to answer are 1) whether Cobenfy KarXT changes memory activity based on its agonist effect on muscarinic receptors and acetylcholine, and 2) what the nature of these brain activity changes are. This work builds on previous experiments evaluating cholinergic antagonists. Participants will complete two treatment arms. One of these will be with the drug, and the other will be with a placebo pill, so that the participants are unaware which session the actual drug has been received. Patients will complete a verbal serial recall and/or associative recognition task each of the two days. An anesthesiologist or patient nurse will administer either the drug or the placebo at a critical point which addresses both of the research questions. Researchers will compare the brain activity between the two treatment arms to determine what brain activity changes, and whether there is an additional behavioral effect on memory.

Phase < 1
Waitlist Available

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Bradley C Lega, MD

Image of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, United States.

Lidocaine Infusions for Postoperative Pain

18+
All Sexes
Nashville, TN

The goal of this single-center, pragmatic, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial is to evaluate the impact of intravenous (IV) lidocaine within the existing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)program on outcomes in patients after major abdominal surgery. The main questions the trial aims to answer are: The primary hypothesis is that utilization of IV lidocaine as part of a perioperative multimodal pain regimen will result in a reduction in hospital Case Mix Index-Adjusted Resource Length of Stay (CARLOS). The secondary hypotheses are that lidocaine infusion will result in a reduction in total inpatient opioid consumption (oral morphine milligram equivalents, oMMEs) and pain scores, and improved surgical outcomes (including return of bowel function, ileus, nausea, rapid responses called, surgical site infections, and ICU transfers), while also having minimal incidence of side effects (including double/blurry vision, tinnitus, sedation, and adverse events requiring early cessation).

Phase 4
Waitlist Available

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Danial Shams, MD

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