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Drug Profile

Do NOT stop taking this or any drug without the advice of your physician. Some drugs can cause severe adverse effects when they are stopped suddenly.

Do Not Use [what does this mean?]
Generic drug name: methocarbamol (meth oh KAR ba mole)
Brand name(s): ROBAXIN
GENERIC: not available FAMILY: Muscle Relaxants
Find the drug label by searching at DailyMed.

Alternative Treatment [top]

Rest, exercise, physical therapy, and an anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin.

Facts About This Drug [top]

Methocarbamol was first sold in the United States in July 1957. The drug is FDA-approved to be used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The way methocarbamol works has not been clearly identified but may be related to its sedative properties. Methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in people.[1]

Methocarbamol has not been shown to be any more effective than painkillers...

Methocarbamol was first sold in the United States in July 1957. The drug is FDA-approved to be used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The way methocarbamol works has not been clearly identified but may be related to its sedative properties. Methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in people.[1]

Methocarbamol has not been shown to be any more effective than painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin for relieving the pain of local muscle spasm.[2]

Methocarbamol’s side effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal distress, constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Since methocarbamol possesses a central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect, patients must be careful about the combined effects when the drug is used with alcohol and other CNS depressants.

last reviewed October 31, 2023