Sometimes, the muscles in your body suddenly tighten and feel like they're being twisted, causing severe pain, right? Like a muscle in your neck getting stuck, or a backache. One medicine that doctors recommend for these types of conditions is Orphenadrine. This medicine is available under the brand name Norflex in our country. So today, let's talk briefly about this medicine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is Orphenadrine?
Simply put, Orphenadrine is a muscle relaxant . This means that its main function is to provide relief by reducing the stiffness, pain, and muscle spasms in your muscles. This is usually recommended along with physiotherapy and rest.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking Orphenadrine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. You should especially tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your health condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | Because this medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Heart Disease | Because things like heart rate can be affected. |
| Kidney Disease | Because it can affect the process of removing the medicine from the body. |
| Myasthenia Gravis | Since this is a disease that weakens the muscles, symptoms may worsen. |
| Peptic Ulcer Disease or intestinal problems | Because it can affect the functioning of the digestive system. |
| Prostate Disease | Because it may increase difficulty urinating. |
| Allergies to Orphenadrine or other medications/foods | To avoid serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Talk to your doctor about the possible effects on your baby. |
How should I use the medicine?
Please consider these points when using this medicine.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor, exactly as prescribed, at the right time. Take this pill with a full glass of water. Never take more than the prescribed amount, even if you feel better.
- Take your medicine on time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the same time. Never take two doses at once.
If you give it to children...
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to a pediatrician and seek advice.
If you are over 65 years old...
Older people may feel the effects of this medication more strongly, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
Imagine that you have taken more medicine than prescribed. If this happens , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is something that should not be delayed.
This medicine is for you only! Never give the medicine prescribed for you to someone else, even if their symptoms are similar. It could cause serious harm to them.
Other things that may interact with Orphenadrine
Orphenadrine can interact with other medications, such as alcohol, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
In particular, avoid taking this medicine with narcotic cough medicines.
In addition, Orphenadrine may interact with the following:
- Alcohol
- Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines)
- Medication to calm or induce sleep
- Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine)
- Some medications for seizures
- General anesthetics for surgery
- Muscle relaxants for surgery
- Narcotic medicines for pain
- Medicines for some mental illnesses (Phenothiazines)
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescribed or over-the-counter), herbal products you use, and even vitamins . Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up from a sitting position or sitting down quickly , especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol: This medication does not work well with alcohol. Alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication (such as drowsiness). Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or drinking plenty of water can help. However, if this problem persists or is severe, talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, Orphenadrine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Unusual weakness or fatigue | Feeling extremely tired for no reason. |
| Usually not serious (but notify your doctor if it persists) | |
| Dizziness | Dizziness . |
| Dry mouth | Dry mouth. |
| Fatigue/sleepiness | Tiredness/Drowsiness. |
How do you protect your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children: Keep this medicine out of reach of children and pets. It can be fatal if a child swallows this medicine.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.
- Disposal: If you have any leftover, unused medication, mix it with cat litter or ground coffee grounds, place it in a tightly sealed bag or a can with a lid, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Orphenadrine is a medicine used to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. Always take only the dose and at the right time as prescribed by your doctor.
- It is imperative to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you may have.
- Avoid driving and performing tasks that require alertness while taking this medication, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing or skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep medicines out of the reach of children and dispose of any leftover medicines properly.
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