Methocarbamol
Generic Robaxin
Methocarbamol (meth oh KAR ba mole) is a generic medication prescribed for muscle pain. Methocarbamol belongs to a group of drugs called muscle relaxants.
Methocarbamol (meth oh KAR ba mole) is a generic medication prescribed for muscle pain. Methocarbamol belongs to a group of drugs called muscle relaxants.
- Brand
- • Tablet
- • 500mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Helen Marshall BPharm MRPharmS
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on August 18, 2023
Methocarbamol (meth oh KAR ba mole) is a generic medication prescribed for muscle pain. Methocarbamol belongs to a group of drugs called muscle relaxants.
Side effects
Side effects of methocarbamol
Methocarbamol may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of methocarbamol and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about methocarbamol’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for methocarbamol listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of methocarbamol are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of methocarbamol you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about methocarbamol’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for methocarbamol listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Mild side effects of methocarbamol oral tablet, injection into the muscle, and injection given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into your vein over time) include:
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- nausea
- metallic taste
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methocarbamol” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of methocarbamol are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of methocarbamol you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about methocarbamol’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for methocarbamol listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, methocarbamol’s serious side effects include:
- central nervous system depression (slowed activity in the brain and spinal cord)
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- low white blood cell count
- slow heart rate
- low blood pressure
- confusion or memory loss
- seizures
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for methocarbamol” section.
FAQs
Common questions about methocarbamol
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about methocarbamol.
What brand names are available for methocarbamol?
Methocarbamol injection is available as the brand-name drug Robaxin. Methocarbamol oral tablet is currently only available as a generic medication. Brand-name versions of the oral tablet (Robaxin, Forbaxin, Delaxin) have been discontinued by the manufacturers.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
If you have questions about generic versus brand-name medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is methocarbamol addictive?
No, methocarbamol isn’t usually addictive when taken as prescribed by a doctor. The medication has a very low risk of misuse or dependence. And it isn’t a controlled substance. Stopping methocarbamol doesn’t usually cause withdrawal symptoms.
That said, if you’ve misused or been addicted to other drugs or alcohol in the past, you may have a low risk of these problems with methocarbamol. You can talk with your doctor about this.
Can methocarbamol be used for anxiety?
No, methocarbamol isn’t an anxiety treatment. Methocarbamol relaxes your muscles and causes sleepiness, but it’s not known to be effective for anxiety. If you’re interested in finding a treatment for anxiety, talk with your doctor.
How does methocarbamol work? And how long does it take to start working?
Methocarbamol lowers some nerve signals sent to your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This relaxes your muscles and helps relieve muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness.
Methocarbamol oral tablet usually starts working in about 30 minutes, but it may take up to 2 hours to have its full effect. The injection usually begins working within a few minutes.
If you’d like to know more about how methocarbamol works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of methocarbamol
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as methocarbamol for certain conditions. Approved uses for methocarbamol are described below.
Use for muscle pain
Doctors may prescribe methocarbamol oral tablet, injection into the muscle, and injection given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into your vein over time) for treating muscle pain caused by acute (sudden) musculoskeletal conditions. It’s used for this purpose in people ages 16 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Doctors may also prescribe methocarbamol injection for treating muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness caused by tetanus. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children of all ages. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment along with other treatments for tetanus.
Acute musculoskeletal conditions may affect your muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints. They’re usually caused by an injury such as a sprain or by overusing or straining part of your body. With these conditions, you may have sudden pain, stiffness, or spasms in the muscles around the strained or injured area. Common examples include back pain and neck pain.
Acute musculoskeletal conditions tend to get better in a few weeks as the soft tissue heals. While you’re healing, your doctor may prescribe methocarbamol to relax your muscles. This helps ease pain, spasms, and stiffness.
Methocarbamol is usually prescribed with measures such as RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and physical therapy.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for methocarbamol
Below, you’ll find information about methocarbamol’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of methocarbamol
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol* or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take methocarbamol, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for methocarbamol” section below.
* It’s recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking methocarbamol.
Warnings for methocarbamol
Some people should not take methocarbamol, and others should take it cautiously.
Methocarbamol could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether methocarbamol is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of methocarbamol you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for methocarbamol, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Methocarbamol can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to methocarbamol or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe methocarbamol. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to methocarbamol, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of methocarbamol
If you take methocarbamol by mouth, you should not take more methocarbamol than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much methocarbamol, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and methocarbamol
Information about methocarbamol and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Methocarbamol and pregnancy
It’s not known whether methocarbamol should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Methocarbamol and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether methocarbamol should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about methocarbamol or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does methocarbamol compare with other muscle relaxants?
- What dosage of methocarbamol will I need?
- How long will I need to take methocarbamol?
- Can I take pain relievers with methocarbamol?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Methocarbamol – Drug summary. (n.d.). https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Robaxin-Robaxin-750-Tablets-methocarbamol-957
- Methocarbamol injection, solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d48d76af-b55a-4908-95ff-e7de615c0513/spl-doc
- Methocarbamol tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/fd8cac57-9664-1fa0-e053-6294a90af872/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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