Robaxin

Robaxin

Generic Name: methocarbamol (meth oh KAR ba mal)

Brand Names: Robaxin, Robaxin-750

What is Robaxin?

Robaxin is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

Robaxin is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. It is used in combination with rest and physical therapy.

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

Important information about Robaxin

You should not use Robaxin if you are allergic to methocarbamol.

Before using Robaxin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have myasthenia gravis.

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

Robaxin 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 Robaxin. It may cause dangerous side effects.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Robaxin?

You should not use Robaxin if you are allergic to methocarbamol.

Before using Robaxin, 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. Robaxin 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.

How should I take Robaxin?

Take Robaxin 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 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 Robaxin.

Robaxin 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 Robaxin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Robaxin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Robaxin can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision, feeling like you might pass out, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Robaxin?

Robaxin 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 Robaxin. 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 Robaxin. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other muscle relaxer.

Robaxin side effects

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 Robaxin 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.

See also: Robaxin side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Robaxin?

The following drugs can interact with Robaxin. 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 this medication. 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.

More Robaxin resources

Robaxin Side Effects (in More Detail)

Robaxin Dosage

Robaxin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Drug Images

Robaxin Drug Interactions

Robaxin Support Group

10 Reviews for Robaxin - Add your own review/rating

Robaxin Prescribing Information (FDA)

Robaxin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Robaxin Monograph (AHFS DI)

Robaxin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Methocarbamol Prescribing Information (FDA)

Methocarbamol Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Robaxin with other medications

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Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Robaxin.

What does my medication look like?

Methocarbamol is available with a prescription under the brand name Robaxin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about Robaxin, especially if it is new to you.

Robaxin 500 mg - light-orange, round, film-coated tablets

Robaxin 750 - orange, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets