Methocarbamol is a centrally acting muscle relaxant, which doctors primarily use for treating musculoskeletal pain. Possible side effects may include lightheadedness, drowsiness, and dizziness.
However, there is a
Methocarbamol also has several adverse effects, and a person is at risk of developing an addiction to the medication. Therefore, people should be careful when using methocarbamol.
This article discusses methocarbamol in more detail, including its uses, how it might work, and its side effects. It also explores some health considerations and answers some common questions about methocarbamol.
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Methocarbamol is a skeletal muscle relaxant that is
Scientists developed methocarbamol to help with acute musculoskeletal pain. Methocarbamol may prevent pain by reducing the frequency of muscle spasms, which can be both uncomfortable and painful. Some doctors may also prescribe methocarbamol off-label for conditions such as:
- non-specific low back pain, either acute or chronic
- fibromyalgia
- myofascial pain — pain in specific muscle groups
- inflammatory arthritis
- rib fractures
- hip or knee replacements
- abdominal muscle cramps in people with cirrhosis
It was once fairly common for doctors to use methocarbamol to treat tetanus. However, this is no longer the usual line of treatment, and benzodiazepines have replaced methocarbamol. Additionally, methocarbamol is largely ineffective for treating musculoskeletal issues that originate from an injury to upper motor neurons.
It is important to note that, even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of methocarbamol in
As a
A few different mechanisms could be at work. For example, some scientists hypothesize that methocarbamol may block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in a
Doctors may prescribe methocarbamol for various forms of musculoskeletal pain. Before prescribing methocarbamol to someone, a doctor will consider the possible benefits of this medication with its adverse effects.
The most common side effects of methocarbamol include:
- lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- dizziness
After taking methocarbamol orally or via an intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) route, some people also develop the following side effects:
Other side effects of methocarbamol seem specific to the route through which a person takes it. For example, there are reports of anorexia following the oral administration of this medication. As for IM or IV injections of methocarbamol, the following side effects may arise:
- gastrointestinal upset
- vertigo
- metallic taste in the mouth
- skin flushes
- involuntary eye movements
- double vision
- lack of muscular coordination
- temporary loss of consciousness
- low blood pressure
- abnormally low heart rate
Anyone who is taking methocarbamol should contact a doctor if they develop any of the above side effects or an allergic reaction.
Similar to any medication, several
For example, certain groups of people should not take methocarbamol. These groups include:
- people who have previously had a negative reaction to the drug
- certain individuals with kidney impairments
- people over 65 years
Additionally, healthcare professionals will carefully consider whether or not to prescribe methocarbamol to people with a history of drug dependence. This is because methocarbamol has somewhat high misuse potential.
Scientists also recommend that people should not take methocarbamol if they are taking certain other medications, including:
- acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- multiple central nervous system depressants
- opioids
- benzodiazepines
It is possible to overdose on methocarbamol. Symptoms of a methocarbamol overdose include:
Methocarbamol overdoses can be fatal. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a drug overdose should seek medical attention immediately.
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about methocarbamol.
Can methocarbamol make a person sleepy?
Methocarbamol can make people drowsy. It is one of the most common side effects of this drug.
Drowsiness can feel similar to sleepiness.
Is methocarbamol the same as ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a drug that
Methocarbamol does not contain ibuprofen, and ibuprofen does not contain methocarbamol.
Is methocarbamol good for anxiety?
There is no evidence that methocarbamol can help to relieve symptoms of anxiety.
Doctors may prescribe methocarbamol to manage and treat musculoskeletal pain. Although it is a well-established medication, further research is necessary to confirm its efficacy.
This drug also comes with several potential side effects, some of which are serious. Therefore, a doctor will carefully assess a person’s medical history before prescribing methocarbamol.
A person should speak with a healthcare professional if they experience adverse side effects or an allergic reaction after taking methocarbamol.