Methocarbamol is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to manage muscle spasms and pain. It is available on prescription only, but is not a controlled substance due to its low risk of addiction. It is important to always take methocarbamol exactly as prescribed, and never in higher or more frequent doses than recommended.
- Methocarbamol is a prescription medication used to treat pain and muscle spasms.
- Methocarbamol is not considered an addictive substance, although prolonged and high-dose use can lead to dependence and misuse.
- Methocarbamol should be used exactly as prescribed. Any side effects or signs of misuse should be reported to the prescribing clinician.
Overview of methocarbamol
Methocarbamol is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant and antispasmodic agent. It is available in generic form and under the brand name Robaxin, in tablets of 500 mg and 750 mg strengths. [1][2]
Methocarbamol is also available as an injection that can be used intramuscularly or intravenously by healthcare professionals, typically in post-operative circumstances. [1]
Methocarbamol is available on prescription only and cannot be purchased over the counter. It is not classed as a controlled substance. [3]
How methocarbamol works
Methocarbamol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and muscle relaxant. Its exact mechanism of action is not known, but it is theorized that the CNS depressant effect and potential anticholinergic inhibition cause reduced muscle activity, working to decrease pain and spasms. [1]
What methocarbamol is used for
Methocarbamol is used to treat acute pain and spasms in musculoskeletal conditions. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an adjunctive treatment for this purpose. [3]
Methocarbamol can also be prescribed off-label, for non-FDA-approved purposes, including: [1]
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Back pain
- Rib fracture
- Myofascial pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Abdominal cramps in people with cirrhosisÂ
- Tetanus
- Spasms related to muscular sclerosis
- Chronic back pain
Methocarbamol dosage and administration
Methocarbamol is available in 500 mg and 750 mg tablets. A typical starting dose for an adult is 1500 mg per day, in doses of: [1][3]
- Three 500 mg tablets every six hours (four times per day) or
- Two 750 mg tablets every six hours (four times per day)
This dosage is recommended for two or three days, after which a maintenance dose of 4 grams per day can be commenced and continued, in doses of: [1][3]
- Two 500 mg tablets every six hours (four times per day) or
- One 750 mg tablet every four hours (six times per day) or
- Two 750 mg tablets every eight hours (three times per day)
The recommended maximum daily dose is 6 grams per day.
Side effects and risks of methocarbamol
Side effects can occur with methocarbamol treatment, which are typically mild and transient. If any of the following side effects occur and do not get better, inform the prescribing doctor: [3][4]
- Blurred vision
- Fever
- Stomach pain or nauseaÂ
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- HeadacheÂ
- Discolored urine
- Mild coordination impairments
Serious risks and interactions
Overdose risk
Methocarbamol can cause overdose in larger doses than prescribed. This risk can also be increased if methocarbamol is combined with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Methocarbamol overdose, alone or with other CNS depressants, can cause death. [3]
Signs of overdose can include: [3]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Extreme sedation and drowsiness
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Contraindications
Methocarbamol may not be suitable for some people, including: [1][3]
- People who are pregnant, as there may be a risk of harm to the fetus.
- People who are breastfeeding, as methocarbamol may be excreted in the milk, causing risks to the breastfeeding child.
- People under 16 years old, as the safety of this has not been established.
- People over 65 years old, as it may increase the risk of injury, sedation, and confusion.
Is methocarbamol addictive?
Methocarbamol is not considered an addictive substance. However, reports suggest that it may pose a clinically relevant potential for abuse. People with a history of substance misuse may be at a higher risk of abuse and addiction with methocarbamol use. Higher doses can also increase this risk. [5][6]
Compared to addictive substances such as benzodiazepines, methocarbamol is less likely to cause addiction and abuse. Dysphoric and other side effects are more likely to occur with methocarbamol, particularly at high doses, which decreases the likelihood of abuse. [6]
Spotting methocarbamol misuse and dependence
Signs of methocarbamol misuse and dependence can include:
- Utilizing larger or more frequent doses than prescribed.
- Taking the medication for recreational, rather than therapeutic, effects.
- Using the medication to enhance the effects of alcohol or other drugs.
- Continuing to take methocarbamol beyond the recommended treatment duration.
- Impairments in cognitive function due to methocarbamol use.
- Consequences in professional, academic, or social aspects of life due to methocarbamol use.
- Signs of withdrawal symptoms when methocarbamol is paused or stopped.
Withdrawal symptoms
Methocarbamol is not intended for long-term use, reducing the risk of physical dependence. This means that withdrawal symptoms are not common when methocarbamol is stopped. However, if someone misuses methocarbamol or takes high doses for prolonged periods, they may be at risk of withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly.Â
A doctor may advise a gradual dose reduction when stopping methocarbamol treatment to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. However, this may not be necessary.
Safe use guidelines
It is important that methocarbamol is used exactly as prescribed. Do not take higher or more frequent doses than a doctor recommends. If a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the prescribed time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. [3]
If adverse effects occur during treatment, report these to the prescribing doctor, as alternative treatment, symptom management, or dosage changes may be required.
When the prescribing doctor recommends that treatment be ceased, follow their directions exactly. Do not take methocarbamol for longer than advised, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects and dependence.Â
Do not drink alcohol while taking methocarbamol, as this can increase the risk of oversedation, respiratory issues, and overdose. In the event of an overdose, call a medical professional for advice, or call 911 in case of an emergency, such as seizures, respiratory depression, or loss of consciousness. [3]
Ensure that methocarbamol is stored in a safe location, where it cannot be accessed by children and pets.Â
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