Arthritis Treatment Facts About Robaxin (Methocarbamol) By Carol Eustice Carol Eustice Facebook Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 14, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rochelle Collins, DO Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO LinkedIn Rochelle Collins, DO, is a board-certified family medicine doctor currently practicing in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Robaxin (Methocarbamol) is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of methocarbamol has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Robaxin does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man. David Smart / Stocksy United Contraindications Robaxin is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components. Warnings Since methocarbamol may possess a general CNS depressant effect, patients receiving Robaxin should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Safe use of Robaxin has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, Robaxin should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant and particularly during early pregnancy unless in the judgment of the physician the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards. Robaxin may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Precautions Patients should be cautioned that Robaxin may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may impair their ability to operate motor vehicles or machinery. Because Robaxin may possess a general CNS-depressant effect, patients should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Adverse Reactions Adverse reactions reported coincident with the administration of methocarbamol include: Body as a whole: Anaphylactic reaction, angioneurotic edema, fever, headache Cardiovascular system: Bradycardia, flushing, hypotension, syncope, thrombophlebitis Digestive system: Dyspepsia, jaundice (including cholestatic jaundice), nausea and vomiting Hemic and lymphatic system: Leukopenia Immune system: Hypersensitivity reactions Nervous system: Amnesia, confusion, Diplopia, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, insomnia, mild muscular incoordination, nystagmus, sedation, seizures (including grand mal), vertigo Skin and special senses: Blurred vision, conjunctivitis, nasal congestion, metallic taste, pruritus, rash, urticaria Drug and Lab Interactions Robaxin may inhibit the effect of pyridostigmine bromide. Therefore, Robaxin should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis receiving anticholinesterase agents. Methocarbamol may cause color interference in certain screening tests for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of Robaxin have not been performed. No studies have been conducted to assess the effect of Robaxin on mutagenesis or its potential to impair fertility. Pregnancy Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with methocarbamol. It is also not known whether methocarbamol can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Robaxin should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Safe use of Robaxin has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, Robaxin should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant and particularly during early pregnancy unless in the judgment of the physician the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards. Nursing Mothers Methocarbamol and/or its metabolites are excreted in the milk of dogs; however, it is not known whether methocarbamol or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Robaxin is administered to a nursing woman. Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of Robaxin in pediatric patients below the age of 16 have not been established. Overdosage Limited information is available on the acute toxicity of methocarbamol. An overdose of methocarbamol is frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other CNS depressants and includes the following symptoms: NauseaDrowsinessBlurred visionHypotensionSeizuresComa In post-marketing experience, deaths have been reported with an overdose of methocarbamol alone or in the presence of other CNS depressants, alcohol or psychotropic drugs. Management of overdose includes symptomatic and supportive treatment. Store Robaxin at controlled room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with chronic inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet can help. Our free recipe guide shows you the best foods to fight inflammation. Get yours today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 0 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Label: ROBAXIN- methocarbamol tablet, film coated. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Updated May 18, 2016. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, NDA 11-011/S-070/071