Robaxin is a branded form of methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve discomfort from muscle injury. The medication is safe when used as directed but may be abused, leading to an array of short-term and long-term effects.
This guide to methocarbamol shows you how to avoid the risks associated with this medication. It also addresses questions like “What is Robaxin” and “What does methocarbamol do.” Also, you will learn how to connect with compassionate and effective care.
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant used to relieve pain and discomfort from strains, sprains, or other muscle injuries. It works by slowing down activity in the nervous system, allowing the muscles to relax. This medication is often prescribed for people experiencing muscle spasms and pain.
There are two types of muscle relaxers: antispasmodic [1] and antispastics [2]. Methocarbamol is an antispasmodic, which means it helps reduce muscle spasms by affecting the central nervous system. While methocarbamol is effective when used as directed, it can be misused. Some people take higher doses than prescribed, use it without a prescription, or take it for unintended purposes, which can lead to negative side effects.
Methocarbamol can be abused in various ways, such as taking larger doses or mixing it with other substances like alcohol. Misuse can result in harmful effects, making it essential to use this medication exactly as prescribed by a doctor.
Robaxin is another name for methocarbamol. The Robaxin muscle relaxer has FDA approval [3] as a solution (manufactured by HIKMA) and a tablet (manufactured by Endo). Robaxin generic form is available as methocarbamol.
Methocarbamol helps relax muscles and relieve pain by acting as a central nervous system depressant. By slowing down the activity in the nervous system, it helps reduce muscle spasms, tension, and pain. This can make it easier for patients to move and perform daily activities without discomfort.
What is Robaxin used for, then? Methocarbamol uses are mainly treating muscle spasms and pain. The medication is often prescribed in combination with physical therapy for people who are struggling with muscle pain due to injuries or chronic conditions.
Off-label Robaxin uses include:
However, some side effects of methocarbamol – drowsiness and dizziness, for instance – can make it feel like a high when abused. Use this medication only as directed by a healthcare professional to avoid these negative effects.
The amount of methocarbamol you need can vary for each person. Follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the medication label. The doses listed below are typical, but your doctor might adjust your dose to better suit your needs. Never change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
For relaxing stiff muscles:
The amount you take depends on the strength of the medicine. The number of doses per day, the time between doses, and how long you take the medicine depend on the condition being treated. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Methocarbamol is the generic name for a muscle relaxer also available in branded forms like Robaxin.
Methocarbamol can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness, but some people experience Robaxin side effects. It’s important to know what to expect and when to talk to your doctor.
Short-term side effects usually happen soon after you start taking methocarbamol. They can include:
These side effects often go away as your body gets used to the medication. If they bother you or don’t go away, let your doctor know.
Long-term side effects can happen if you take methocarbamol for a long time. These might include:
If you notice these side effects and they don’t go away, talk to your doctor. They might need to adjust your dose or try a different medication. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help monitor and manage these side effects.
Serious side effects are rare but can happen. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
These serious side effects need medical attention right away. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking methocarbamol and let them know about any side effects that you experience. They can help you manage these effects and adjust your treatment if necessary.
Methocarbamol is generally safe when used as directed, but there are some important warnings to keep in mind. Knowing these warnings can help you use the medication safely and avoid potential problems.
Medications, including methocarbamol, have expiration dates for a reason. Using expired methocarbamol can be risky and may not provide the intended benefits.
Over time, medications can lose their potency. Expired methocarbamol may not work as well in relieving muscle pain and spasms.
Additionally, medications can undergo chemical changes after their expiration date, potentially leading to harmful effects or reduced safety.
In some cases, expired medications can become contaminated with bacteria, posing additional health risks.
If you have expired methocarbamol, do not use it. Instead, dispose of it properly. Here are some tips for safe disposal:
Methocarbamol can interact with other medications, which can change how it works or increase the risk of side effects. It’s important to be aware of these potential interactions so that methocarbamol can be safely used.
Common drug interactions
Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Take methocarbamol exactly as prescribed and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding other medications. Be aware of any unusual side effects and report them to your doctor immediately.
Methocarbamol is generally considered to have a lower risk of addiction than some other muscle relaxants. However, misuse and overdose can still occur.
Always take methocarbamol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or frequency without consulting your healthcare provider. Do not mix methocarbamol with alcohol or other drugs, as this can increase the risk of overdose and severe side effects. Keep methocarbamol out of reach of children, pets, and others who might misuse it. Safely dispose of any unused or expired medication to prevent accidental or intentional misuse.
Methocarbamol typically stays in your system for about 24 to 48 hours. However, the exact duration can vary depending on factors like your metabolism, age, and overall health.
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer, not a pain pill. It works by relaxing the muscles and relieving muscle spasms, which can help reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
No, methocarbamol is not intended for treating anxiety. It is specifically designed to relieve muscle spasms and should be used only as prescribed by your doctor for that purpose.
Yes, methocarbamol can be used for back pain if the pain is caused by muscle spasms or strains. It helps relax the muscles, which can alleviate pain and improve your ability to move. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when using this medication.
If you feel that you or someone you care about needs help getting back on track from any form of substance abuse, reach out to Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We treat all types of addictions, including methocarbamol addiction [7], at our world-class rehab facilities in Newport Beach and Long Beach, California.
Our medical detox programs help people withdraw from any type of addictive substance as safely and comfortably as possible. During detoxification at Gratitude Lodge, you’ll prepare yourself physically for ongoing inpatient treatment.
All Gratitude Lodge treatment programs reflect the unique nature of addiction by delivering personalized therapies, such as:
Call our recovery experts for immediate assistance at 844-576-0144.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/use-of-antispasmodics-for-the-treatment-of-abdominal-pain/mac-20526520
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2858176/
[3] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/011011Orig1s070s071lbl.pdf
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565868/
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682579.html
[6] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines
[7] https://www.gratitudelodge.com/barbiturate-addiction/
Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.
Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.
Use Our 24 Hour text line. You can ask questions about our program, the admissions process, and more.
