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Anaspaz |
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What is Anaspaz and why is it prescribed? Anaspaz is an antispasmodic medication given to help treat various stomach, intestinal, and urinary tract disorders that involve cramps, colic, or other painful muscle contractions. Because Anaspaz has a drying effect, it may also be used to dry a runny nose or to dry excess secretions before anesthesia is administered. Together with morphine or other narcotics, Anaspaz is prescribed for the pain of gallstones or kidney stones. For inflammation of the pancreas, Anaspaz may be used to help control excess secretions and reduce pain. Anaspaz may also be taken in Parkinson's disease to help reduce muscle rigidity and tremors and to help control drooling and excess sweating. Anaspaz is sometimes prescribed during treatment for peptic ulcer. Doctors also give Anaspaz as part of the preparation for certain diagnostic x-rays. Anaspaz comes in several forms, including regular tablets, tablets to be dissolved under the tongue, tablets that dissolve on the tongue (NuLev), sustained-release capsules (Levsinex Timecaps) and sustained-release tablets (Levbid), liquid, drops, and an injectable solution. Anaspaz may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase and putting you at the risk of heatstroke. Try to stay inside as much as possible on hot days, and avoid warm places such as very hot baths and saunas. How should you take Anaspaz? Follow your doctors directions for taking Anaspaz. If you take Anaspaz for a stomach disorder, you may also need to take antacid medication. However, antacids make Anaspaz more difficult for the body to absorb. To minimize this problem, take Anaspaz before meals and the antacid after meals. Take Anaspaz exactly as prescribed. Although the sublingual tablets are designed to be dissolved under the tongue, they may also be chewed or swallowed. The regular tablets should be swallowed. Anaspaz extended-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed. Anaspaz can cause dry mouth. For temporary relief, suck on a hard candy or chew gum. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Anaspaz at room temperature. Are there any Anaspaz side effects? Anaspaz side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Anaspaz side effects may include allergic reactions, bloating, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, decreased sweating, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitement, headache, hives impotence, inability to urinate insomnia, itching, heart palpitations, lack of coordination loss of sense of taste, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, skin reactions, speech problems, vomiting, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Anaspaz? If Anaspaz is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Anaspaz with Amantadine (Symmetrel), Antacids, Antidepressant drugs (such as Elavil, Nardil, Parnate, and Tofranil), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), Major tranquilizers (such as Thorazine and Haldol), Other antispasmodic drugs (such as Bentyl), or Potassium supplements (such as Slow-K). Are there any special warnings about Anaspaz? Be careful using Anaspaz if you have an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. Because Anaspaz may make you dizzy or drowsy, or blur your vision, do not drive, operate other machinery, or do any other hazardous work while taking this medication. While you are taking Anaspaz, you may experience confusion, disorientation, short-term memory loss, hallucinations, difficulty speaking, lack of coordination, coma, an exaggerated sense of well-being, decreased anxiety, fatigue, sleeplessness and agitation. These symptoms should disappear 12 to 48 hours after you stop taking the drug. |
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