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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Methocarbamol?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methocarbamol.
Before using methocarbamol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or 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 can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking methocarbamol. It may cause dangerous side effects.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Methocarbamol?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methocarbamol.
Before using methocarbamol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have myasthenia gravis.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, especially during early pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Methocarbamol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Methocarbamol Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Methocarbamol?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using methocarbamol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- slow heart rate
- feeling like you might pass out
- jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
- confusion, spinning sensation, loss of balance; or
- seizure (convulsions)
Less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness, drowsiness
- nausea, vomiting
- warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin
- fever
- headache
- memory problems
- blurred vision
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- stuffy nose; or
- mild skin rash or itching
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Methocarbamol Interactions
What other drugs affect Methocarbamol?
The following drugs can interact with methocarbamol. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
- pyridostigmine (Mestinon)
- donepezil (Aricept)
- galantamine (Reminyl)
- rivastigmine (Exelon); or
- tacrine (Cognex)
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with methocarbamol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Methocarbamol?
Methocarbamol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking methocarbamol. It may cause dangerous side effects.
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by methocarbamol. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other muscle relaxer.
Methocarbamol Dosage
How should I take Methocarbamol?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger 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.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using methocarbamol.
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 methocarbamol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Methocarbamol?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of methocarbamol can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision, feeling like you might pass out, or seizure (convulsions).
What happens if I miss a dose of Methocarbamol?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com
