Is zanaflex a narcotic or not?

22 Oct 2009

No, "Zanaflex" (Tizanidine) is not a narcotic. While you need a prescription for it, it is not a controlled substance (At least not in Canada, where I live). It is an anti-spasmotic drug used to help control painful muscle spasms. In my case, it is prescribed for upper-body and neck spasms caused by cervical/vertebral injuries. The drug is short-acting though (4-6 hours), so it is often prescribed along with analgesics/benzodiazepines, or other muscle relaxants or narcotic painkillers. It can be demanding on the liver so, your M.D. might do routine blood-work from time-to-time to check liver functions. In very rare cases, it could lead to jaundice symptoms (Usually in patients with extremely poor liver functions). It is recommanded to take it with food, and it can also cause some drowsiness...