As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where tizanidine interactions can occur. In such cases, use is not recommended or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with tizanidine include the following.
- Luvox (fluvoxamine)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- CYP1A2 inhibitors
- Oral contraceptives
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants
- Alcohol
- Alpha2-adrenergic agonists
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Tizanidine and Tylenol
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever available over the counter. There is no indication of the interaction between tizanidine and Tylenol. One should not combine tizanidine with Tylenol PM, however. Tylenol PM contains both acetaminophen and an antihistamine called diphenhydramine, which can enhance the sedative effects of the medication.
Tizanidine and Xanax
Xanax (alprazolam) is a medication used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Taking tizanidine with Xanax may increase the side effects of the medication such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and trouble concentrating. Elderly people taking both medications may experience poor motor coordination, as well.
Tizanidine and Advil
Advil (ibuprofen) is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. There is no evidence of adverse reactions between these two medications. Some treatment plans for low back pain call for a combination of 600 mg ibuprofen and tizanidine.
One should avoid Advil PM with tizanidine, though. It contains the antihistamine diphenhydramine, which can cause drowsiness and enhance the side effects of the tizanidine.
Tizanidine and Baclofen
Baclofen (brand name Lioresal) is a medication to treat muscle spasticity, as well. Both Baclofen and tizanidine have sedative side effects, so taking them together might increase drowsiness, confusion, and cause someone to have trouble concentrating.
In elderly patients, this combination may interfere with motor coordination and judgment, as well.
Tizanidine and Tramadol
Tramadol (Ultram and ConZip) is an opioid pain medication for moderate severe pain. Both medications depress the central nervous system and may lead to increased sedation that could suppress the respiratory system. Taking the two medications together may be life-threatening.
Tizanidine and Ambien
Ambien (zolpidem) is a medication for short-term sleep disorders. Taking it with tizanidine could increase the sedative effects of both drugs leading to dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. In the elderly, the combination could cause impairment in judgment and motor coordination.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in marijuana and other forms of cannabis. Combining cannabis that contains THC with tizanidine may enhance the depression of the central nervous system, increasing the risk of sedation and possible respiratory issues.
Suboxone
Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) is a medication that helps in the treatment of substance use disorders, specifically opioid addiction. Taking Suboxone with tizanidine could increase depression of the central nervous system with serious side effects. Some may experience respiratory distress or coma. The combination is potentially life-threatening.
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin medication to prevent cardiovascular disease by decreasing cholesterol levels. There is no indication of an interaction between atorvastatin and tizanidine. Patients should inform their medical provider of all medications they take before starting tizanidine, though.
Adderall
Adderall is a drug used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. There are no known interactions between these medications. Patients should inform their medical provider of all medications they take before starting tizanidine, though.
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with tizanidine include:
- Alcohol
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Tizanidine and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on tizanidine and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions. According to the FDA, diseases, and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with tizanidine include:
- Hypotension
- Hepatic impairment (liver disease)
- Renal impairment (kidney disease)
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take this medication.
Tizanidine and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on tizanidine and pregnancy risks.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
