Tizanidine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 15, 2024.

Applies to tizanidine: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of tizanidine

Along with its needed effects, tizanidine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tizanidine:

More common side effects

• chest pain or discomfort
• fever or chills
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness
• pain or burning while urinating
• unusual tiredness

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• flu-like symptoms
• irregular heartbeat
• itching skin
• kidney stones
• right upper stomach tenderness
• seeing things that are not there
• shortness of breath
• weight gain

Incidence not known

• continuing vomiting
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• light-colored stools

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking tizanidine:

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• difficult or troubled breathing
• dizziness, faintness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying position
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• loss of consciousness
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• severe sleepiness
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of tizanidine

Some side effects of tizanidine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• sleepiness
• weakness

Less common side effects

• constipation
• nervousness
• sore throat

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tizanidine: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported adverse reactions include dry mouth, somnolence/sedation, asthenia, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (up to 48%), dizziness (up to 16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Speech disorder, dyskinesia
• Frequency not reported: Headache, ataxia, dysarthria
• Postmarketing reports: Convulsion, paresthesia, tremor^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 49%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, constipation
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nausea, gastrointestinal disorder
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, loss of appetite^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Liver test abnormality
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatic failure
• Frequency not reported: Hepatotoxicity
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, hypotension, tachycardia
• Postmarketing reports: Syncope, ventricular tachycardia, QT prolongation^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Amblyopia
• Frequency not reported: Accommodation disorder^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Stevens Johnson Syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, rash^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Frequency not reported: Drug withdrawal reactions including rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and hypertonia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, urinary frequency^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic Reaction^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infection, flu syndrome^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Muscular weakness
• Postmarketing reports: Arthralgia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Nervousness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hallucinations, insomnia, sleep disorders
• Frequency not reported: Confusional state
• Postmarketing reports: Depression^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What is Miderizone used for?

Further information

Tizanidine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer