Available in the form of a tablet, methocarbamol (
Robaxin®) is a muscle relaxant that is used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments to relieve pain from muscle spasms, such as spasms due to an injury. The injectable form is also approved to treat tetanus (lockjaw) when used with other standard treatments. Possible side effects include nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Methocarbamol is typically taken up to four times a day -- your dosage should be lowered after the first two or three days of treatment. The tablets can be taken with or without food.
Before starting treatment, tell your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you have and any medications you are taking (including nonprescription drugs). It's important for your healthcare provider to know if you have
epilepsy, kidney problems, or any
allergies. Also, make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
(To read the complete eMedTV article on this topic, click Methocarbamol. This selection takes a closer look at how methocarbamol works, what to expect while taking it, dosing guidelines, and more.)
