{"id":630055,"date":"2024-10-09T13:41:14","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T17:41:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630055"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:09:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:09:33","slug":"is-tizanidine-a-controlled-substance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-tizanidine-a-controlled-substance\/","title":{"rendered":"Is tizanidine a controlled substance?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tizanidine-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizanidine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, often referred to by its brand name <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zanaflex\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zanaflex<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a muscle relaxant that is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=01c0d3d3-2373-a1b7-822a-80a66291a248#_7ac72350-606b-4758-21fe-4ed99663f391\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">commonly prescribed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to manage spasticity. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aans.org\/patients\/conditions-treatments\/spasticity\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spasticity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a condition where muscles are stiff or tight, which prevents fluid from moving normally. It causes the muscles to remain in a contracted state, and can affect speech and movement, including the way you walk. Spasticity is usually due to damage to the part of the brain and spinal cord that control muscle and stretch reflexes, and it affects people with conditions such as brain or spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/multiple-sclerosis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">multiple sclerosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (MS). If you are taking or considering taking tizanidine (tizanidine hydrochloride), you may be concerned about addiction and want to know if it is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/controlled-substances-act\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">controlled substance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While tizanidine is not a controlled substance, there are still some precautions to be aware of. Continue reading to learn more about this medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-tizanidine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is tizanidine?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizanidine is classified as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/muscle-relaxants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle relaxant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or more specifically, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">central alpha-2-adrenergic agonist. Tizanidine does not work directly on the muscles. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a601121.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It works<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the brain and nervous system, slowing activity, and allowing muscles to relax.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizanidine was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1996 and is approved to treat spasticity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizanidine is available in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=3138\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">following forms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral capsules: 2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral tablets: 2 mg, 4 mg&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Related: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tizanidine-hcl\/dosage\"><b>Tizanidine dosage<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-muscle-relaxers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skeletal muscle relaxants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are grouped into <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4103716\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">two main categories<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&mdash;antispasticity and antispasmodic medicines.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antispasticity medicines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> work on the spinal cord or skeletal muscles to improve muscle stiffness and spasms, and are used for conditions like cerebral palsy, MS, and spinal cord injuries. Examples include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/baclofen\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baclofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dantrolene-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dantrolene<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antispasmodic medicines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> affect central nervous system activity and are prescribed for conditions like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/lower-back-pain-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lower back pain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or muscle spasms. Examples include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cyclobenzaprine-interactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cyclobenzaprine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metaxalone\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metaxalone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and Soma (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/carisoprodol\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carisoprodol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some muscle relaxants, including tizanidine as well as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/valium\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (diazepam), fall into both categories.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While some muscle relaxants are controlled substances, such as Valium and Soma, tizanidine is not a controlled substance.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-tizanidine-a-controlled-substance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is tizanidine a controlled substance?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizanidine is a prescription drug, but is <\/span><b>not <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">classified as a controlled substance or narcotic.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Controlled substances are designated by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/drug-information\/drug-scheduling\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (DEA), based on the potential for abuse and dependence.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For reference, although tizanidine is not categorized as a controlled substance, the following information outlines controlled substance scheduling.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule I drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have no accepted medical use, and a high potential for abuse. Some examples include heroin and LSD.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule II drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a high potential for abuse and dependence, and are considered dangerous. Some examples of Schedule II drugs include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/oxycodone-interactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxycodone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hydrocodone-acetaminophen-without-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hydrocodone\/acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ritalin-vs-adderall\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ritalin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (methylphenidate).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule III drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a moderate to low potential for dependence. They have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I and II drugs, but a higher potential than Schedule IV drugs. Some examples include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/tylenol-with-codeine-hydrocodone-oxycodone\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol with codeine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/types-of-testosterone-replacement-therapy-trt\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">testosterone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule IV drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a lower potential for abuse and dependence and include drugs such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/xanax-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xanax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (alprazolam), Soma (carisoprodol), Valium (diazepam), Ambien (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zolpidem-tartrate-alternatives\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">zolpidem<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), and others.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule V drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs, and are generally used to treat diarrhea, cough, or pain. Some examples include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lomotil\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lomotil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (diphenoxylate\/atropine) and Robitussin AC (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/guaifenesin-codeine\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guaifenesin\/codeine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"does-tizanidine-show-up-on-drug-tests\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does tizanidine show up on drug tests?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">izanidine would not show up on a drug test.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/lab-tests\/drug-testing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug tests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically look for things like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/alcohol-and-medication\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alcohol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, amphetamines, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/opioids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">opioids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/benzodiazepines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benzodiazepines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (note that benzodiazepines such as diazepam, which are often used for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/anxiety-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are sometimes used for muscle relaxant purposes).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because tests and testing methods vary, if you are taking a drug test, you can tell the lab staff that you are taking tizanidine.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-does-that-mean-for-me\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does that mean for me?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizanidine is not a controlled substance, but there are still potential side effects and risks associated with this medicine. Some of the common side effects of tizanidine include extreme drowsiness, weakness, and dizziness, which are also common side effects of various controlled substances. You should not drive or operate machinery until you know how tizanidine affects you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizanidine causes central nervous system (CNS) depression (a slowing down of brain activity, which can cause sedation and affect breathing), and should be avoided in combination with other substances or drugs that cause CNS depression. It is advisable to avoid alcohol, as alcohol can intensify these effects. It is important to consult your doctor for medical advice regarding drug interactions, as many other medications (such as medications for anxiety, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/insomnia-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or pain) cause CNS depression and can also worsen side effects of tizanidine. Before you take tizanidine, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all the medications you take&mdash;including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Do not start any new medicines while taking tizanidine unless approved by your healthcare provider.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical professionals should always be aware of any health conditions you have. Patients with certain medical conditions, like kidney or liver problems, generally require lower doses of tizanidine to reduce the risk of side effects and toxicity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should not stop taking tizanidine abruptly, as doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms, including high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and extremely stiff muscles. If you plan to stop taking tizanidine, your healthcare professional can provide a tapering schedule to help you stop the medicine slowly and safely.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-can-i-take-instead-of-tizanidine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What can I take instead of tizanidine?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are interested in exploring alternatives to tizanidine, there are various options to consider. The table below compares tizanidine with some alternative prescription medications. Always discuss your treatment plan with your healthcare provider.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Drug name&nbsp;<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Drug class<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Uses<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Controlled&nbsp; substance<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>SingleCare savings<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tizanidine-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tizanidine<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antispastic and antispasmodic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spasticity due to certain conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tizanidine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get coupon here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/baclofen\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baclofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antispastic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spasticity due to certain conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/baclofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get coupon here<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cyclobenzaprine-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cyclobenzaprine<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antispasmodic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cyclobenzaprine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get coupon here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metaxalone\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metaxalone<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antispasmodic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metaxalone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get coupon here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/methocarbamol\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methocarbamol<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antispasmodic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/methocarbamol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get coupon here&nbsp;<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/soma\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (carisoprodol)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antispasmodic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/soma\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get coupon here&nbsp;<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/valium\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (diazepam)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antispastic and antispasmodic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skeletal muscle spasms, spasticity, stiff-man syndrome<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute alcohol withdrawal<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures (in addition to other medicine)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/valium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get coupon here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tizanidine, often referred to by its brand name Zanaflex, is a muscle relaxant that is commonly prescribed to manage spasticity. Spasticity is a condition where muscles are stiff or tight, which prevents fluid from moving normally. It causes the muscles to remain in a contracted state, and can affect speech and movement, including the way [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":630056,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[788,808],"coauthors":[20732],"class_list":["post-630055","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-drug-safety","tag-pain-management","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is tizanidine (Zanaflex) a controlled substance? 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