Skelaxin

Skelaxin is a brand name and contains Metaxalone. Skelaxin is an FDA approved drug. It is extremely beneficial in the treatment of painful conditions arising from the musculoskeletal system. It is an extremely popular medication owing to its quick and effective pain relieving properties. Skelaxin is trusted by millions of Americans. It acts on your central nervous system to decrease pain. Skelaxin is available in the tablet form, in an 800 mg dosage preparation. It is used in the treatment of muscular injuries, sprains, ligament injuries, degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system, joint pains, arthritic pains etc.

Skelaxin Benefits:

• Skelaxin is used for treating various conditions like muscular sprains and strains.
• It is an FDA approved drug.
• It is prescribed by millions of doctors in the United States.
• Skelaxin is known for its quick and effective pain relieving properties.

What is Skelaxin used for:

Skelaxin contains Metaxalone. It has certain sedative effects. Most painkiller medications act at the level of muscles and nerves. Skelaxin on the other hand acts directly on the central nervous system. It produces minimal depression of the pain centers in the brain and thus helps relieve various painful conditions. It is extremely effective in treating acute painful conditions arising from the musculoskeletal system. It is useful in treating muscle sprains, ligament strains, soft tissue injuries, back pain, joint pains due to arthritis etc. Skelaxin works extremely effectively when combined with rest and physical therapy.

How Skelaxin works:

The exact mechanism of how skelaxin works in humans is still unknown. However animal experimentation has shown that Skelaxin acts on the main centers in the brain which process the sensation of pain. It has mild sedative properties which aids in depressing the pain centers in your brain. It does not act on the muscles or the nerves in your body. It works relatively quick to ease pain and discomfort which may be produced as a result of injuries, degenerative disorders, arthritis, infections or other painful conditions arising from the ligaments, muscles or joints in your body. As it causes a depression in the centers of your brain, you are less able to feel the pain that is produced in your peripheral tissues. This enables you to have pain free mobility.

Skelaxin is known to work best if you combine this medication along with rest and physical therapy.

Precautions you must take while using Skelaxin:

Metaxalone is known to be toxic to your liver. Hence if you are already suffering from some liver disorder, make sure you mention that to your doctor. You must use Skelaxin in the exact dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the dosage or take it too frequently. Similarly its sedative effects may be more pronounced among the elderly. Hence it must be used in moderate doses and with great care in elderly patients. It has been noted that the CNS depression produced by the drug is worsened when it is consumed with food. Hence you may consider taking it on an empty stomach.

The adverse effects, if any produced by this drug are unknown and hence must be used with great care in pregnant females and nursing mothers. In pregnancy, the possibility of fetal damage cannot be ruled out and hence it is safer not to administer Skelaxin to pregnant females. Similarly studies have not confirmed the secretion of Skelaxin into breast milk, hence unsafe to be given to lactating mothers. Skelaxin must be kept out of the reach of children.

You must not consume alcohol when taking Skelaxin, as the central nervous system depressing properties are enhancing. Similarly you must not consume any other CNS depressant medication along with Skelaxin like benzodiazepines, opium etc.

Side effects of Skelaxin:

Most individuals tolerate Skelaxin quite well and do not produce any adverse reactions to this medication. In some rare cases, few individuals may develop a few side effects, which are very transitory and self limiting. Some of the side effects that may be seen among a few individuals are headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset. Some people may be allergic to Skelaxin and may produce a rash on the skin, hypersensitivity reaction. Some of the other known side effects of this drug are anaemia, leucopenia, jaundice etc.

Some individuals may experience dullness and drowsiness for a short time after taking Skelaxin. Hence you must avoid operating heavy machinery or driving or performing any other dangerous activity after consuming this medication.

How to take Skelaxin:

Skelaxin is available in tablet form and can be taken orally. It is available in the dosage of 400 mg and 800 mg tablets. You must take it with a glass of water. The action of Skelaxin is increased when taken along with meals. If the action is increased beyond a certain limit it may prove fatal to the individual. Hence it is advisable that you take it prior to meals or as directed by your doctor. Store it in a cool and dry place. Keep it away from heat, sunlight and moisture. Take it in the exact dosage as directed by your doctor. Most adults require a dose of about 800 mg three to four times a day. This drug is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Do not take extra doses of Skelaxin.

If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However if it is already time for your next dose then do not take the missed dose. Instead continue the cycle as scheduled. Do not take an extra dose in order to make up for the missed dose; this may result in an overdose. Peak levels of Skelaxin in the blood are obtained nearly 3 hours after taking the dose.

Do not take Skelaxin with alcohol or any alcoholic beverages, as it may act adversely on your central nervous system and produce unconsciousness, convulsions, coma or even death.

If you develop any allergies following intake of Skelaxin, you must discontinue the medication and inform your doctor at the earliest.