Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant, typically prescribed to treat acute pain and muscle spasms within the context of various conditions. Methocarbamol is not a controlled substance, as it is not considered to be an addictive substance. However, misuse of methocarbamol can lead to dangerous outcomes.
- Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic medication.
- Methocarbamol is not a controlled substance. Most muscle relaxants are not controlled substances, aside from benzodiazepines used for this purpose.
- Methocarbamol use can lead to misuse, abuse, and dependence, despite its controlled substance status.
Is methocarbamol a controlled substance?
Methocarbamol is not a controlled substance. The Controlled Substances Act lists substances from Schedule I to V, depending on their medical purpose and potential for addiction and abuse. Schedule I substances have no medicinal purpose and the highest risk of addiction. [1]
Methocarbamol is a skeletal muscle relaxant, used in the treatment of acute pain conditions and muscle spasms. It is not listed as a controlled substance, as it has a recognized medicinal purpose and minimal risk of addiction. [2]
As with other muscle relaxants, misusing methocarbamol can increase the risk of abuse, dependence, and addiction. As such, to minimize risks, it should be used in prescribed doses and may not be appropriate for people with a history of substance use issues. [2]
Methocarbamol abuse potential and addiction risks in recovery
People with a history of substance misuse may experience increased potential for abuse and addiction with methocarbamol use. Some research details examples of methocarbamol abuse, particularly among those with a history of sedative or hypnotic abuse. [2][3]
People in recovery should, therefore, use methocarbamol cautiously. It may be necessary to attend regular check-ups with the prescribing doctor to monitor safe use, side effects, and signs of misuse during treatment and to ensure doses remain low and are used for a short duration.
Methocarbamol is likely to cause adverse effects in high doses, including dysthymia, which is believed to limit its abuse potential. It is also not as sedating as many other muscle relaxants, which can also reduce its abuse potential, as this can be a desired effect. [3][4]
Risks of misusing muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants, such as methocarbamol, are CNS depressants. This means that they affect aspects of bodily function, including heart rate and breathing. If methocarbamol is misused or combined with other CNS depressants, it can, therefore, increase the risk of cardiac or respiratory issues, which can be dangerous or fatal. [2][4]
Muscle relaxants vary in their mechanisms, strengths, and effects. As such, some may be more likely to lead to dangerous CNS depressant effects, such as respiratory depression. Similarly, misusing muscle relaxants could increase their abuse and addiction potential. [4] Research into the relative safety of different non-benzodiazepine muscle relaxants is currently limited, and further data is required to clarify. [7]
Some muscle relaxants, such as diazepam and carisoprodol, are Schedule IV controlled substances that pose a risk of addiction and abuse that can increase with longer-term use. [5][6]
Methocarbamol vs. Other muscle relaxants
The following table lists several commonly used muscle relaxants, alongside their controlled substance status. [1]
| Muscle relaxant | Controlled substance status |
|---|---|
| Methocarbamol | None |
| Carisoprodol | Schedule IV |
| Diazepam | Schedule IV |
| Cyclobenzaprine | None |
| Metaxalone | None |
| Chlorzoxazone | None |
| Orphenadrine | None |
| Tizanidine | None |
| Baclofen | None |
| Dantrolene | None |
Some muscle relaxants are controlled substances due to their potential risks of abuse, dependence, and addiction. Diazepam is sometimes used as a muscle relaxant and is classed as a benzodiazepine, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Benzodiazepines can become addictive when used in high doses or for periods longer than a few weeks or months. They are a commonly abused substance. [5]
Carisoprodol (Soma) is listed as a Schedule IV controlled substance. It was found that people were abusing the drug at a similar rate to benzodiazepines. It was found to be commonly diverted, abused, and leading to dependence. [6][7]
Safe use guidelines
Methocarbamol should be used exactly as prescribed. A doctor will assess the individual’s needs and prescribe methocarbamol according to a dose and treatment duration that is suitable and appropriate. Taking more than prescribed can increase the risk of adverse effects, overdose, and dependence. [1]
Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Take the next dose at the prescribed time and skip the missed dose.
Do not share methocarbamol with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Methocarbamol should only be used when it has been prescribed by a licensed physician, as it may not be suitable for all.Â
People with a history of substance misuse and addiction should inform the prescribing doctor, as this may impact treatment and could increase the risk of methocarbamol misuse. [1]
If concerning side effects or signs of dependence and misuse emerge during treatment, inform the prescribing doctor. This may require a change in treatment or alternative interventions.Â
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