Robaxin
Brand names: Robaxin, Robaxin-750. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant. It
works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your
brain.
[ Pronunciation: meth oh KAR ba mall ]
What is the most important information I should know about methocarbamol?
Use caution when driving an automobile, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Methocarbamol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If
you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid such activities. Use alcohol with
care. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
methocarbamol. Consult with your doctor immediately if you experience a rash,
itching, a fever, or nasal congestion during treatment with methocarbamol.
What is methocarbamol?
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or
pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Methocarbamol is used, along with
rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular
conditions. Methocarbamol is also often used in the treatment of tetanus.
Methocarbamol may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
Who should not take methocarbamol?
Before taking methocarbamol, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease,
liver disease, or a seizure disorder. In which case, you may need a lower dose
or special monitoring during your therapy. It is not known whether methocarbamol
will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, do not take methocarbamol without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether
methocarbamol passes into breast milk. Again, do not take methocarbamol without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Methocarbamol is
not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.
How should I take methocarbamol?
Take methocarbamol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Methocarbamol is usually
taken three or four times a day. With your prescription, follow your doctor's
instructions. Store methocarbamol at room temperature away from moisture and
heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly
scheduled dosage. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a methocarbamol
overdose include drowsiness, confusion, and unconsciousness.
What are the possible side effects of methocarbamol?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
methocarbamol and seek emergency medical attention: allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives); a rash or itching; a fever; or nasal congestion. Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience the
following, continue to take methocarbamol and consult your doctor: drowsiness,
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; headache or blurred vision; nausea or a
metallic taste in your mouth; or brown, black, or green urine (this is not
harmful). Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Consult your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
troublesome.
What other drugs will affect methocarbamol?
Many drugs can increase the effects of methocarbamol, which can lead to
heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines: antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane,
Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine
(Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others; narcotics (pain killers) such
as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon,
Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan),
fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and
secobarbital (Seconal); phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon),
prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine);
or antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline
(Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Drugs other than
those listed here may also interact with methocarbamol. Consult with your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about methocarbamol written for health
professionals that you may read.
