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Metaxalone Coupon - Metaxalone 800mg tablet

metaxalone

Generic Skelaxin
Used for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Used for Musculoskeletal Conditions

Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort that's not chronic or long-lasting. This medication is thought to relieve muscle pain by relaxing your nervous system in the brain. Metaxalone is typically taken by mouth three or four times a day. It commonly causes drowsiness and dizziness as side effects. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking metaxalone because alcohol can interact with this medication and worsen side effects.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 1, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Metaxalone?

What is Metaxalone used for?

  • Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not chronic) conditions when rest or physical therapy isn't enough for relief

How Metaxalone works

Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant. Experts aren't exactly sure how the medication works, since it doesn't work directly on the muscles. They believe metaxalone helps relieve pain by relaxing your nervous system in the brain.

Are you looking for information on metolazone instead?
When does Metaxalone start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSkelaxin (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassMuscle relaxant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$137.12(save 83.59%)
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$22.50
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Metaxalone?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Nervousness or irritability
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach upset

Other Side Effects

  • Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: rash; trouble breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Serotonin syndrome: agitation, sweating, fever, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, shakiness, tight muscles, confusion
When do Metaxalone possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting

Source: DailyMed

More on Metaxalone side effects

metaxalone: side effects metaxalone

6 Metaxalone Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP
muscle-relaxants: side effects muscle relaxers

8 Muscle Relaxer Side Effects: Drowsiness, Dry Mouth, and More

Written by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:

Incidence not known

Agitation

back, leg, or stomach pains

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

chest pain

chills

clay-colored stools

confusion

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

difficulty in breathing or swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

fever

general body swelling

headache

hives, itching, skin rash

loss of appetite

nausea

nosebleed

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

poor coordination

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the skin

restlessness

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach pain

sweating

swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

swollen glands

talking or acting with excitement you cannot control

tightness in the chest

trembling or shaking

twitching

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

vomiting of blood

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Some side effects 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

Drowsiness

irritability

stomach or bowel upset

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Metaxalone

thumbs-up

Pros

Starts to work quickly (within 30 minutes to an hour)

Might cause less dizziness or drowsiness than other muscle relaxers

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Might need to take 3 or 4 times a day

Interacts with common antidepressants

Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems, liver problems, or certain anemias (blood problem)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Metaxalone

pharmacist

  • You can take metaxalone with or without food. Be sure to be consistent with the way you take the medication. Keep in mind that your body might absorb more of the medication if you take it with a full meal and you might be more likely to have side effects from metaxalone like dizziness and drowsiness.

    • Side effects like dizziness and sleepiness are common. Metaxalone can also affect your ability to focus and concentrate. Avoid driving or performing any activity that requires a lot of attention until you know how this medication affects you.

      • Tell your healthcare team and pharmacist about all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products. Metaxalone can interact with certain medications and lead to serious risks. Interactions with antidepressants can lead to a rare but life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Metaxalone

        Does metaxalone raise blood pressure?
        High blood pressure isn't a common side effect of metaxalone. If you notice that you have unusually high blood pressure after you take this medication, it could be a sign of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. This is rare, but your risk is greater if you take metaxalone with certain antidepressants. Make sure your prescriber and pharmacist knows about all the medications you're taking to check that they're safe for you to take.
        Does metaxalone make you sleepy?
        Yes, sleepiness is one of the more common side effects of muscle relaxers like metaxalone. But this medication is the least likely of the muscle relaxants to make you sleepy. Still, don't drive or perform other activities that require you to be alert until you know how metaxalone affects you.
        Is metaxalone a narcotic or controlled substance?
        No. Metaxalone isn't an opioid pain medication (also known as a narcotic). It's also not a controlled substance because there's no risk for addiction or dependence. Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer, which has its own set of risks and warnings. Discuss with your healthcare team about the risks and benefits of taking metaxalone before you start the medication.
        How long does it take for metaxalone to work?
        This can vary from person to person. Most people start to feel some effects within an hour of taking metaxalone. You should feel the full effects within a few hours after your dose.
        How long does it take for metaxalone to wear off?
        Metaxalone is a pretty short-acting medication, so you can expect the effects of the medication to wear off after about 4 to 6 hours. Your age, gender, and whether you took your dose with food can also affect how long it takes for Metaxalone to wear off. For example, the effects might linger around longer for females and the effects might go away faster if you take the medication with food.
        Can I take metaxalone with Tylenol?
        Yes, you can take Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, with metaxalone if you're having general pain or fever along with your muscle spasms. The two medications don't seem to interact with each other.
        Can you cut metaxalone in half?
        Yes. Metaxalone tablets are scored, which means they have an indented line down the middle of the pill. Scored tablets are typically okay and safe to cut in half. Speak with your prescriber first if you plan to split tablets in half to make sure it's appropriate for you. Be sure to use a pill splitter from the pharmacy to safely cut the tablets along the score line if you need to cut your metaxalone tablets in half.
        Does metaxalone cause constipation?
        Although constipation isn't a commonly reported side effect of metaxalone, it can happen with certain muscle relaxers. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist to review your current medication list if you start having bothersome constipation. They can help determine whether the constipation is caused by metaxalone, another medication, or another medical condition.
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        What are the risks and warnings for Metaxalone?

        Metaxalone can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

        risk-warning

        Serotonin syndrome

        • Risk factors: Taking other medications that can affect the serotonin levels in your brain

          There have been reports of serotonin syndrome in some people who take metaxalone alone or with certain other medications. Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood.

          Your risk for serotonin syndrome goes up if you use metaxalone with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants, triptans for migraines, and St. John's wort. Tell your healthcare team and pharmacist about all the medications and over-the-counter products you take so they can check for any interactions with metaxalone.

          Call your healthcare team or get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of having too much serotonin. These symptoms include a fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion.

          risk-warning

          Effect on driving and concentration

          • Risk factors: Taking with alcohol or illicit substances | Taking other medications that cause drowsiness | People over 65 | Taking metaxalone with a full meal

            Taking metaxalone can make you feel sleepy. The medication can also affect your concentration and focus. These side effects are more likely to happen or be more intense if you're over 65 or if you take metaxalone with a full meal.

            Don't drink alcohol while you're taking metaxalone to lessen the risk for intense side effects. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, like driving or operating machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.

            risk-warning

            Caution use in people with liver or kidney problems

            • Risk factors: History of liver problems | History of kidney problems

              Metaxalone might not be the safest choice for people who have liver or kidney problems. The medication is processed in the body by the liver and kidneys. Metaxalone can buildup in the body if either of these organs isn't working properly. This can raise the risk for dangerous side effects, like serotonin syndrome.

              dosage

              Metaxalone dosage forms

              The average cost for 30 tablets of 800mg of Metaxalone is $22.50 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 83.59% off the average retail price of $137.12.
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              400mg30 tablets$32.00$1.07
              800mg30 tablets$22.50$0.75

              Typical dosing for Metaxalone

              • Adults and children 13 years of age and older: The typical dose is 800 mg by mouth three to four times a day.

              interactions

              Interactions between Metaxalone and other drugs

              Metaxalone may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Metaxalone. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              More on Metaxalone interactions

              muscle-relaxants: man drinking beer alone at the bar 1126372219

              Alcohol And Muscle Relaxers: 4 Things To Know About This Risky Combination

              Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

              drug-cost

              How much does Metaxalone cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Skelaxin (brand)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $22.50

              (save 94.58%)
              Metaxalone (generic)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $22.50

              (save 83.59%)
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              contraindications-icon

              Metaxalone contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Metaxalone will not be safe for you to take.

              • Severe kidney problems

              • Severe liver problems

              • History of anemia(s)

              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Metaxalone?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Metaxalone. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Metaxalone
              Used for:

              • Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not chronic) conditions when rest or physical therapy isn't enough for relief

              $22.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Cyclobenzaprine
              Used for:

              • Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not long-term) conditions

              $6.54 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Methocarbamol
              Used for:

              • Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions

              • Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only

              $8.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Metaxalone images

              Pink Oblong E448 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "E448".Pink Oblong E448 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              Pink Oblong Lci And 14 35 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "14 35" And "Lci".Pink Oblong Lci And 14 35 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              White Oblong 31 90 And Wpi - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "31 90" And "Wpi".White Oblong 31 90 And Wpi - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              Pink Oblong S G And 323 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "S G" And "323".Pink Oblong S G And 323 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              Pink Oblong An 553 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "An 553".Pink Oblong An 553 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              Pink Oblong S G And 323 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "S G" And "323".Pink Oblong S G And 323 - Metaxalone 800mg Tablet

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2023). Metaxalone tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Bishop-Freeman, S. C., et al. (2015). Postmortem metaxalone (Skelaxin®) data from North Carolina. Journal of Analytical Toxicology.

              Harden, R. N., et al. (2000). A review of three commonly prescribed skeletal muscle relaxants. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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