Robaxin (Methocarbamol)
Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Dosage and Side Effects
ROBAXIN is a muscle relaxant that is used to alleviate pain, such as the pain and discomfort of injured muscles. Along with physical therapy and rest, the drug can help relieve muscle spasms brought on by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
Proper Use of this medication
ROBAXIN comes in tablets of 500 and 750 milligrams (mg). The recommended dose is 6 grams per day for the first two to four days in divided doses. After that, treatment can be continued at 4 grams per day in divided doses.
General rules for taking ROBAXIN include:
- Always take this medication precisely as prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
Although ROBAXIN has warnings and side effects you should be aware of, it has been used effectively for many years. Along with rest and physical therapy, it may help relieve pain and discomfort from muscle spasms. However, make sure you know how to take this drug safely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
ROBAXIN Overdose
Overdosing happens more frequently when ROBAXIN is used with alcohol or another sedative drug.
Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- Nausea
- Severe drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Low blood pressure
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
If you think you have taken an overdose, or if someone else may have overdosed on ROBAXIN, call a Poison Control Center or call 911.
Missed Dose of ROBAXIN
If you miss a dose, do not double your dose.
If you are close to your dose time, take your normal dose.
If you are well past your dose time, wait to take a dose until your next scheduled time.
Side Effects
Side effects from ROBAXIN may be worse if you have kidney or liver disease. You may also be at higher risk for side effects if you're 65 or older.
Combining ROBAXIN with alcohol or another drug that depresses your central nervous system can be dangerous.
Side effects of ROBAXIN include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Change in urine color
- Swelling under the skin
- Headache
- Flushing
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Trouble sleeping
- Seizures
- Metallic taste
- Blood shot eyes
- Itching
- Rash
- Nasal congestion
Serious side effects of ROBAXIN include:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Swelling of your face or tongue
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Severe skin rash
Tell your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. If you have serious side effects, stop taking ROBAXIN and call your doctor right away.
Warnings and Precautions
Because ROBAXIN is a central nervous system depressant, it can cause drowsiness and slow down your reaction time.
You should be careful taking this drug if you need to drive, operate machinery, or perform any activity that requires you to be alert.
These effects can increase if you combine ROBAXIN with alcohol.
It's unclear whether ROBAXIN is safe to take during pregnancy.
It should be taken only if your doctor feels the risks outweigh the benefits. ROBAXIN should be used with caution if you are breastfeeding.
ROBAXIN is not approved for anyone younger than 16.
Before taking ROBAXIN, it's important to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, as well as your alcohol use and drug use. Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any medications.
Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
ROBAXIN “High” and Recreational Use
Numerous online and anecdotal reports have suggested that some people abuse ROBAXIN for a narcotic-like "high," because it can cause drowsiness.
Research indicates that ROBAXIN has very little narcotic effect, and that any narcotic-like effects with the drug can only be achieved when it is taken at high-than-recommended doses. This can lead to serious side effects.
Take ROBAXIN only as directed by your doctor, and keep this and all other drugs away from children, teenagers, and anyone for whom the drug has not been prescribed.
Interactions with this medication
Always tell your doctor about all medications you're taking, including other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and any vitamins, diet supplements, or herbal remedies.
Any drug that suppresses your central nervous system may interact with ROBAXIN. This includes drugs used for seizures, pain, depression, cough and colds, sleep issues, and anxiety.
If you've been diagnosed with the disease myasthenia gravis that affects the skeletal muscles, you may not take be able to take ROBAXIN.
That's because some drugs used to treat myasthenia gravis are weakened by ROBAXIN.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.