A Description of Norflex

Norflex or generic Orphenadrine is a skeletal muscle relaxant prescribed to treat acute muscle spasms associated with muscle tightening and stiffness. You may sustain a musculoskeletal injury if you work at a job where you are doing repetitive movements with your limbs, using certain muscle groups too much, staying in a fixed position for extended amounts of time, or having pressure applied to certain parts of your body. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

A muscle spasm or cramp is a painful, involuntary movement or contraction of a muscle. Massaging the muscle may help to release the contraction. Muscle cramps are often caused by or worsened when you are not getting enough fluids.

How Norflex Works as a Muscle Relaxant

When taken as directed, Norflex works by blocking nerve impulses that are sent to your brain. Skeletal muscle relaxants are centrally acting agents that work by reducing the tone of skeletal muscle causing muscle to relax. Norflex may be prescribed along with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle pain and injuries. Norflex or Orphenadrine generic may be taken with or without food.

Conditions Treated by Norflex

Soft tissue injuries can be quite painful. Swelling and bruising make this type of injury more painful than many others. Sprains and strains fall into this category. Sprains are caused when an area of the body is forced into positions it doesn’t normally assume. A sprained ankle, for instance, occurs when the ankle turns or rolls further than is normal. Ligaments allow for some stretching when an ankle turns inward or outward, but if the ligament is stretched too far, injury occurs. In a serious sprain or strain, ligaments may even tear. This type of injury can be more painful than a broken bone.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before You Take Norflex

Advise your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Norflex. If you have problems with urination, an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, heart problems, or myasthenia gravis tell your doctor to be certain it is safe for you to take Norflex. You should provide your doctor with a list all current prescription and non-prescription medications, including herbal and vitamin supplements, as these could affect how Norflex will work for you.

Precautions for Norflex

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Norflex, as it may increase possible side effects. Norflex may cause temporary dizziness and lightheadedness so you should not engage in any potentially hazardous activities until you determine how this medication affects you.

Possible Side Effects of Norflex

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Blurred Vision
• Drowsiness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience: blurred vision; unusual tiredness or weakness; fast or pounding heartbeat.

Drugs Similar to Norflex

• Dantrium
• Robaxin
• Lioresal