My son-in-law takes zanaflex and I am worried about him driving long distance taking this, but needs it for knee problems
How does it take for zanaflex to clear your system?
Question posted by grandma531960 on 18 Sep 2013
Last updated on 16 July 2015
4 Answers
MacIntosh12
18 Sep 2013
It knocks me right out! I can't imagine driving on this stuff, yet as the others have said, if he is used to it, it may not have any affect on his driving abilities.
Good luck,
Lara
DzooBaby
19 Sep 2013
Me too! And I dont knock out easily. My husband can take it and be fine and he is usually easily knocked out! Just goes to show how different people are. I take Zanaflex and within 30 minutes, I cant keep my eyes open and if I try, I swear, I dream with my eyes open! Very scary. I do find that the drowsiness only lasts about an hour maybe two. I noticed, with my back, that sometimes it made my back "grab up" more when I was taking it so we switched back to Soma. (thank God my new Dr doesnt have a problem prescribing it-they dont even count it at my pill counts and it is a controlled substance where I live. My old Drs office acted like it was worse than the morphine and oxycodone!)
If your son needs something less sedating Skelaxin may work for him during the day then he can take Zanaflex at bedtime.
MacIntosh12
19 Sep 2013
DZ, my doc never counts my meds, NEVER. I don't even need to bring them! He sure trusts me, he knows I'd never abuse any of them. But most people have a med count. Weird, isn't it?
Lara
X
DzooBaby
18 Sep 2013
I used to take Zanaflex for over a year and I never got used to it. It made me terribly sleepy. I would dream with my eyes open so I can understand your concern! I got to where I would only take it at bedtime. For some people it is very sedating and for others it is not. He may be some of the ones who is not sedated. He should be able to judge for himself if he is too sedated to drive. I, personally, wouldnt take it and drive immediately but Zanaflex is very short acting. The sedation usually wears off in 2-3 hours.
chrissy12
18 Sep 2013
Zanaflex takes three days to clear your system. If he has been on it for a while he has probably gotten used to the medication. I would also ask the doctor that prescribed it about him driving on it, as well. I would advise that he take a lot of breaks during his long distance drive so that he may stretch his legs and knees, as well. Best of luck!
rhondajohn
16 July 2015
So it only takes 3 days to be out of ur system do u know for sure
kaismama
18 Sep 2013
If he's been on it, its not doing a thing to his ability to drive, and without it, he'd have severe pain in no time.
Related topics
Further information
- Zanaflex uses and safety info
- Zanaflex prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zanaflex (detailed)
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