Methocarbamol

Generic Name: methocarbamol (meth oh KAR ba mal)
Brand names: Robaxin, Robaxin-750, Carbacot, Skelex

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 together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.

Methocarbamol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about methocarbamol

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methocarbamol.
Before using methocarbamol, tell your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis.

You may need to reduce your methocarbamol dose after the first 2 or 3 days of treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the number of tablets you take each day.

Methocarbamol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine.

Before taking methocarbamol

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methocarbamol.

Before using methocarbamol, tell your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether methocarbamol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether methocarbamol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methocarbamol?

Take methocarbamol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may need to reduce your methocarbamol dose after the first 2 or 3 days of treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the number of tablets you take each day.

Methocarbamol can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Methocarbamol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include rest, physical therapy, or other pain relief measures. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store at methocarbamol room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I avoid while taking methocarbamol?

Methocarbamol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of methocarbamol.

What other drugs will affect methocarbamol?

Before using methocarbamol, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by methocarbamol.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially pyridostigmine (Mestinon).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with methocarbamol. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.