Here’s best way to get off zanaflex, says a doctor.
Zanaflex withdrawal can be a very troublesome experience, but there’s a way to get off Zanaflex smoothly and safely.
Zanaflex is a drug for muscle spasms.
“The literature and common practice both dictate that Zanaflex (tizanidine) be discontinued by tapering off the drug gradually over a period of one to two weeks,” says Frederick Arthur Ehlert, MD, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing division at ColumbiaDoctors Eastside, NY, NY.
“While there may be some rebound effect if it has been taken on a regular basis for a considerable period of time, gradual reduction of the dose will usually prevent any significant rebound effect.
“There is no replacement or step-down drug, just tapering, which is often easier with the tablet form rather than capsules.
“But if capsule dosage is relatively high it can be halved, and then, if necessary, one’s doctor can prescribe a lower dose to continue the tapering at a lower dose.”
Zanaflex
What are the common withdrawal effects of Zanaflex?
Dr. Ehlert: With the abrupt cessation of Zanaflex (tizanidine), there is a risk of rebound hypertension, which means a high blood pressure, which results from the sudden discontinuation, tachycardia (which means a rapid heart beat, usually a normal heartbeat going faster than normal), and hypertonia (which means muscle spasms).
Can a person just outright quit Zanaflex, and why not?
Dr. Ehlert: Why is that dangerous? The high blood pressure in this rebound effect can conceivably go very high and cause strokes or other organ damage.
Can you recommend some ways a person can go about weaning off Zanaflex, or things they can do (maybe with diet or supplements) that can ease the transition off the drug?
Dr. Ehlert: The recommended initial dose of the drug is 4 mg/day with gradual increases (in 2-4 mg increments over 2-4 weeks to a maintenance dose of 8 mg every 6-8 hrs.
Withdrawal of the medication to eliminate side effects should replicate these increases. Diet or supplements are not really helpful in this.
Remember, to get off Zanaflex with minimal problems, gradually reduce your dose with your doctor’s supervision.
Dr. Ehlert’s
