All over the world, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants to alleviate pain following an injury or accident. The drug chlorzoxazone is a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant available in many different countries under various brand names. In India and parts of Africa, chlorzoxazone is sold under the brand name of Myospaz Forte. Despite its effectiveness, Myospaz is not for everyone, as it presents risks for side effects and complications in some patients.
Side Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports on Drugs.com that side effects to chlorzoxazone occur infrequently. Neurological or psychiatric effects include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness and malaise. Minor dermatological side effects are also possible, such as dark or red spots on your skin caused by broken blood vessels or capillaries. Occasionally, patients report red, purple or orange urine while taking Myospaz. In very rare instances, the drug causes jaundice of the liver, leading to yellowing of your eyes or skin.
Allergic Reactions
Although rare, there is a possibility of developing a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Myospaz. One such reaction is anaphylaxis, a condition that occurs when your immune system identifies Myospaz as harmful. This causes your body to produce histamine in order to combat the perceived threat, resulting in hives and wheezing. In some patients, anaphylaxis is life-threatening, causing difficulty breathing or shock. Another possible hypersensitive reaction to Myospaz is angioedema, which causes tissues in your face, eyelids, throat, hands or feet to fill with fluid and swell.
Overdose Side Effects
If your doctor prescribes too high of a Myospaz dosage or if you take more than the recommended amount of the drug, it is possible to develop side effects due to the overdose. Early signs of an overdose typically mimic the usual neurological side effects of the drug and are frequently accompanied by gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, these symptoms progress to a loss of muscle control and reflexes. Large overdoses have the potential to cause a serious condition known as respiratory depression, where your brain is unable to properly regulate your breathing. As respiratory depression is life-threatening, you should seek prompt medical attention if you display any signs of an overdose.
Drug Interactions
There are some medications which increase your likelihood of developing the dangerous side effect of respiratory depression when used in conjunction with Myospaz. For example, narcotic pain relievers like codeine, OxyContin, Percocet, morphine, and Darvocet should be avoided while taking Myospaz. Other drugs that contribute to the onset of respiratory depression include drugs that treat epilepsy, some antidepressants and sedatives. Additionally, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Myospaz.
Considerations
Because there is not yet sufficient evidence that Myospaz has no unwanted effects upon the fetus, doctors typically do not prescribe the drug for pregnant women. If you have a history of liver disease, your doctor will most likely not prescribe Myospaz for you due to its potential side effects. Since it has the potential to cause dizziness and drowsiness, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how Myospaz will affect you.
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