benzaflex 5 mg tablets

What benzaflex is used for :

• benzaflex is a prescription drug used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy.
• It works by helping to relax the muscles.

Do not use benzaflex   :

• Avoid use if hypersensitivity to benzaflex or if you have hyperthyroidism
• During the acute recovery phase of myocardial infarction and in patients with irregular heartbeat, heart block or conduction disturbances, or congestive heart failure
• Do not use simultaneously or within 14 days of discontinuing antidepressants
• Hyperpyretic crisis seizures and deaths have occurred in patients receiving benzaflex (or similar tricyclic antidepressants) simultaneously with antidepressants

Warnings and precautions :

• Use only for short periods, 2-3 weeks
• Use caution in urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma or intensive outpatient program, or simultaneous use of other anticholinergic drugs
• May cause drowsiness/dizziness; do not ingest alcohol or other central nervous system depressants as it may impair ability to operate heavy machinery
• May take with food to avoid stomach upset
• Serotonin syndrome reported when co-administered with other drugs that increase serotonin (for example selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, tramadol, bupropion, meperidine, verapamil, or anti-depressants [see also Contraindications])
• Not effective for treatment of spasticity associated with cerebral/spinal cord disease or for pediatric cerebral palsy
• Elderly patients may be more prone to adverse effects and require dose/frequency reduction
• Use immediate release with caution in hepatic impairment; avoid extended-release form as it is not recommended with hepatic impairment

Possible Side Effects :

• Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you develop throat tightness or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue, feel faint, or have difficulty breathing.
• Stop using the product if you develop hives or itching of the face or body. 

Other Medicines and benzaflex

• If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
• Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.
• Severe Interactions of benzaflex include:
• isocarboxazid
• phenelzine
• tranylcypromine
• Minor interactions of benzaflex include:
• desipramine
• dimenhydrinate
• donepezil
• eucalyptus
• galantamine
• sage
• tacrine
• trazodone

How to use benzaflex

• Adult : 5 mg orally every 8 hours, may increase dose to 7.5-10 mg orally every 8 hours as needed
• Geriatric : Immediate-release tablet: 5 mg/day orally initially; dose slowly upward and consider less frequent dosing.

How to Store benzaflex

• Store at 25°C.