Skelaxin

(metaxalone)

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Relaxes your muscles.

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Skelaxin (metaxalone) is used for muscle spasms and musculoskeletal pain with mixed results.

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Quick facts about Skelaxin
  • Drug class: Musculoskeletal
  • Rx status:
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (metaxalone)

Upsides

  • Can be used for muscle spasms and muscle pain if other medications have not worked.
  • Available as generic.
  • Slightly less sedation and side effects compared to other muscle relaxants.
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Downsides

  • Effects don't last that long. You need to take Skelaxin (metaxalone) up to 3-4 times daily.
  • Several studies showed mixed results when Skelaxin (metaxalone) was compared with a sugar pill for treatment of muscle spasms and musculoskeletal pain.
  • Can make you very drowsy or sleepy
  • Even though a generic is available, it is still fairly expensive.
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How it works

How Skelaxin (metaxalone) works is not exactly known. It is believed that it works on the brain to help relieve muscle pain and relax muscles.

Quick facts about Skelaxin
  • Drug class: Musculoskeletal
  • Rx status:
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (metaxalone)

Used for

  • Musculoskeletal pain

Dosage forms

  • Pill
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Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Skelaxin (metaxalone) for Musculoskeletal condition

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  • Effectiveness
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  • Possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
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Side effect rates for Skelaxin (metaxalone)

Risks and Warnings for Skelaxin (metaxalone)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Taking other medications that also cause sleepiness
    • › Recreational drug use
    • › Excessive alcohol use

    Taking Skelaxin (metaxalone) can make you feel sleepy and dizzy, especially if you're taking other medications that can make you drowsy, or if you're taking recreational drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Avoid driving or doing other tasks that require concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Get up very slowly from a seated or lying down position.

Pharmacist Q&A

Skelaxin (metaxalone) questions for

Frequently Asked Questions

This medication treats pain caused by acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Who is this drug for?

This medication treats pain caused by acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Common concerns from people taking Skelaxin (metaxalone)

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Food
  • Can be taken with or without food. However, Skelaxin (metaxalone) may be stronger when taken with food, especially if you are older. Be on the lookout for more pronounced drowsiness or sleepiness.
Kidneys and liver
  • People who have any liver or kidney problems should not use Skelaxin (metaxalone). Skelaxin (metaxalone) is broken down by the liver, and eliminated from the body via the kidneys. If either of those are not working at their best, you could have high levels of Skelaxin (metaxalone) in your body and more side effects.Your liver could also worsen. Talk to your doctor as you may need to get routine blood test for your liver and kidneys if you already have liver/kidney problems.
Sleep
  • Taking Skelaxin (metaxalone) with alcohol or narcotics can worsen the drowsiness.
  • Can make you very drowsy or sleepy