Muscle
Relaxer Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Information
Use caution when driving an automobile, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Robaxin (methocarbamol) may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid such
activities. Use alcohol with care. Alcohol may increase
drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Robaxin
(methocarbamol). Consult with your doctor immediately
if you experience a rash, itching, a fever, or nasal
congestion during treatment with Robaxin (methocarbamol).
What
is Robaxin Muscle Relaxer?
Robaxin (methocarbamol) is a muscle relaxant. It works
by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that
are sent to your brain. Robaxin (methocarbamol) is
used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat
injuries and other painful muscular conditions. Robaxin
(methocarbamol) is also often used in the treatment
of tetanus. Robaxin (methocarbamol) may also be used
for purposes other than those listed here.
Who
should not take Robaxin Muscle Relaxer?
Before taking Robaxin (methocarbamol), tell your doctor
if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a seizure
disorder. In which case, you may need a lower dose
or special monitoring during your therapy. It is not
known whether Robaxin (methocarbamol) will harm an
unborn baby. Therefore, do not take Robaxin (methocarbamol)
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether Robaxin (methocarbamol)
passes into breast milk. Again, do not take Robaxin
(methocarbamol) without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby. Robaxin (methocarbamol)
is not approved for use in children younger than 12
years of age.
How
should I take Robaxin (Muscle Relaxer)?
Take Robaxin (methocarbamol) exactly as directed by
your doctor. If you do not understand these directions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them
to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Robaxin (methocarbamol) is usually taken three or
four times a day. With your prescription, follow your
doctor's instructions. Store Robaxin (methocarbamol)
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What
happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled
dosage. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What
happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms
of a Robaxin (methocarbamol) overdose include drowsiness, confusion,
and unconsciousness.
Muscle Relaxer Robaxin Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Robaxin (methocarbamol) and seek
emergency medical attention: allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your
lips, tongue, or face; or hives); a rash or itching;
a fever; or nasal congestion. Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience
the following, continue to take Robaxin (methocarbamol)
and consult your doctor: drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness,
or fainting; headache or blurred vision; nausea or
a metallic taste in your mouth; or brown, black, or
green urine (this is not harmful). Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Consult your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or
that is especially troublesome.
What
other drugs will affect Robaxin (Muscle Relaxer)?
Many drugs can increase the effects of Robaxin (methocarbamol),
which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any
of the following medicines: antihistamines such as
brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine
(Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine),
clemastine (Tavist), and many others; narcotics (pain
killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS
Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet),
hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet,
Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal,
Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others); sedatives such as phenobarbital
(Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital
(Seconal); phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil),
perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine),
thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine);
or antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine
(Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac),
paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine
(Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Drugs other
than those listed here may also interact with Robaxin
(methocarbamol). Consult with your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
More
information
Your pharmacist has more information about Robaxin (methocarbamol)
written for health professionals that you may read.