What Is the Mechanism of Skelaxin?

Skelaxin is a brand name for the prescription medication metaxalone. Doctors prescribe Skelaxin to relieve pain associated with muscular or skeletal disorders in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.

Background

• Doctors do not fully understand Skelaxin's mechanism or how it works but do know its general function, according to RxList.

Function

• Skelaxin functions by decreasing the activity in your central nervous system. This decrease in activity lessens sensations of pain.

Misconceptions

• Although Skelaxin is caused by a muscle relaxant, it does not have any affects directly upon the fibers or cells in your muscles.

Risks

• Because Skelaxin works by suppressing your central nervous system, it poses a risk for respiratory depression, a condition in which your brain is unable to properly regulate your breathing. This has the potential to cause a shortage of oxygen in your bloodstream and can be life threatening.

Considerations

• Alcohol and other central nervous depressants such as sedatives, narcotic pain medications, tranquilizers and certain antidepressants increase the central nervous system suppression of Skelaxin and increase your risk for respiratory depression. For this reason, you should avoid drinking and use caution when taking other medications.