Methocarbamol Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Muscle relaxants are a somewhat common prescription due to the frequency of acute and chronic back pain. Low back pain is a very common issue — it flexeril drug screen remains among the top five reasons people see a primary healthcare provider. Most cases of low back pain resolve without medical intervention.

  • An addiction occurs when a person loses control over their substance use and continues to use despite its negative consequences.
  • Flexeril is also structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants and has similar side effects such as dry mouth and sedation.
  • With muscle relaxer side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, the chances of older patients getting into an accident increase dramatically.
  • Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice to find the best treatment options for you.

There have been multiple studies evaluating the abuse potential of methocarbamol. Methocarbamol should be used with caution in those prescribed multiple central nervous system (CNS) depressants, benzodiazepines, opioids, and those who have known substance use disorders. Both methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine effectively relieve symptoms of acute low back pain, including pain intensity, pain-related disability and quality of life1, 2. These muscle relaxants produce sedation, fatigue, and dizziness.

Diseases & Conditions

Methocarbamol is classified as Pregnancy Category C, as it has not been systematically studied in pregnant women. In addition, based on animal studies, methocarbamol is known to cross the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in women who may become pregnant or who are breastfeeding. Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services.

Robaxin is the brand name of the generic medication called methocarbamol. It was developed in the 1960s to treat pain and provide relief from muscle spasms. It is also believed that Robaxin relaxes the muscle by having depressive effects on the central nervous system.

If prescribed Robaxin, it is important to not take more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor, and if you are planning on making changes, consult with your healthcare provider. The use of muscle relaxers is generally recommended for a limited amount of time as they are not effective for long-term use. According to the National Cancer Institute, controlled substances are drugs that may be abused or cause addiction.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

It is important to find a treatment program or rehab center that is best for you. Consulting with a professional can help you figure out what treatment program is most suitable. Taking too much methocarbamol can result in an overdose and lead to injuries.

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If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Some muscle relaxants cause greater drowsiness than others, especially certain benzodiazepines. One study aimed to compare the use of atracurium and methocarbamol to decrease the occurrence and severity of succinylcholine-induced muscle fasciculation.

The combination of Flexeril and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) can cause a life-threatening drug interaction. This drug interaction can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can include symptoms like abnormally high fever, tremors, increased sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Since Robaxin and Flexeril have CNS depressant effects, they can interact with other drugs that have similar effects. Drugs that have CNS depressant effects include barbiturates and benzodiazepines. The “half-life” refers to the amount of time it takes for the amount of a drug’s active substance in the body to decrease to half of its starting dose.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Robaxin?

Even better, these pain management procedures are available at a Midsouth Pain Treatment Center near you. Interventional pain management is a medical subspecialty that treats pain through invasive interventions. The methods prevent or block pain from traveling throughout the body. Interventional pain therapies can alleviate both acute and chronic pain and may represent a viable alternative if more traditional options do not work.

Struggling with substance abuse or addiction can become very lonely and isolating. Support groups bring a sense of community and a safe space for people to share their experiences, relate to one another, and learn from each other. Day treatment may be suitable for individuals struggling with mental health or substance use disorders and who need a high level of structure and support but do not require 24–hour care.