Doctors recommend using methocarbamol along with physical therapy and rest.
This article describes possible side effects of methocarbamol oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for methocarbamol.
Methocarbamol oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version as a tablet. Methocarbamol also comes in an injectable form, but this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about this form, talk with your doctor.
You can explore this overview article to learn more about methocarbamol oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, its dosage, and more.
More common side effects of methocarbamol
Methocarbamol oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of methocarbamol oral tablet include:
- sedation
- dizziness
- headache
- upset stomach
- nausea and vomiting
Mild side effects of methocarbamol
Methocarbamol may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be managed easily. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of methocarbamol oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- eye problems, including:
- blurry vision
- double vision
- nystagmus (involuntary, rapid movement of the eyes)
- conjunctivitis (infection or swelling of the eye)
- sedation
- fever
- forgetfulness or memory loss
- fluid retention
- flushing
- headache
- insomnia
- itchy skin
- metallic taste in the mouth
- nasal congestion
- nausea and vomiting
- muscle coordination problems
- upset stomach
- mild allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of methocarbamol in detail” section below.
Methocarbamol oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of methocarbamol
Methocarbamol may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from methocarbamol oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, act immediately. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with methocarbamol oral tablet.
Serious side effects of methocarbamol oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- leukopenia (low white blood cell level)
- seizure
- slowed heart rate
- central nervous system (CNS) depression*
- hypotension (low blood pressure) and fainting*
- cholestatic jaundice*
- severe allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of methocarbamol in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of methocarbamol
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of methocarbamol oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do the side effects of methocarbamol 750 mg compare with those of methocarbamol 500 mg?
Side effects of methocarbamol are expected to be the same regardless of the strength you take.
Generally, taking a higher dose of methocarbamol may increase your risk of side effects from it. But it usually won’t cause side effects different from those caused by a lower dose.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about your methocarbamol dose.
Can methocarbamol cause certain side effects in older adults?
Methocarbamol isn’t known to cause side effects that differ between older and younger adults. (People ages 65 years and older are usually considered older adults.)
But older adults are generally at higher risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression. This is a side effect of methocarbamol. To learn more about this side effect, review the “Side effects of methocarbamol in detail” section below.
Older adults are also more likely to have kidney problems. Having a kidney problem could affect how your body gets rid of methocarbamol. To learn more about methocarbamol and kidney problems, see the “Warnings for methocarbamol” section below.
You can ask your doctor for more information about side effects and methocarbamol treatment.
Is weight gain a side effect of methocarbamol?
No, weight gain isn’t a known side effect of methocarbamol. It wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Methocarbamol helps relieve pain and discomfort caused by musculoskeletal conditions. Along with it, doctors recommend measures such as rest and physical therapy. But pain and discomfort can make it difficult to perform exercises, including physical therapy. For some people, this can add to weight gain.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your weight. They can advise on ways to maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.
If I take methocarbamol, will I experience constipation?
It’s unlikely that you’ll have constipation from methocarbamol treatment. This isn’t a side effect reported in the drug’s studies.
But methocarbamol may cause other digestive side effects, including upset stomach and nausea. If you have these side effects, you can ask your doctor about ways to resolve them.
Does methocarbamol cause long-term side effects?
Methocarbamol isn’t considered to cause long-term side effects. Studies don’t show that any were reported.
Side effects caused by methocarbamol should go away when treatment stops. If you must continue treatment, your doctor can recommend treatments or lifestyle changes to reduce the side effects.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about methocarbamol’s side effects and how long they may last.
Warnings for methocarbamol
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking methocarbamol oral tablet.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take methocarbamol oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether methocarbamol oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking methocarbamol oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health history and medications you take. Things to consider include those listed below.
Kidney problems. If you have a kidney problem, tell your doctor before taking methocarbamol. One example is chronic kidney disease (CKD). Your body relies on your kidneys to help get rid of methocarbamol after you take a dose. But if you have a kidney problem, the drug could build up in your body. This could raise your risk of side effects. An example of a serious side effect that could occur is central nervous system (CNS) depression.
If you have a kidney problem, your doctor can help determine whether methocarbamol is safe for you to take.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to methocarbamol oral tablet or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe this medication. Ask them about other treatment options that may be better for you.