Generic Name: methocarbamol (meth-oh-KAR-ba-mall)

Brand Names: Robaxin®

Classification: Muscle Relaxant

Issue Date: June 22, 2001

Robaxin is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

Robaxin is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions. Robaxin is also used in the treatment of tetanus.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Robaxin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Robaxin.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, a fever, or nasal congestion during treatment with Robaxin.

Before taking Robaxin, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• a seizure disorder

You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.

It is not known whether Robaxin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Robaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Robaxin passes into breast milk. Do not take Robaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Robaxin is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Take Robaxin 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 is usually taken three or four times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Robaxin overdose include:

• drowsiness
• confusion
• unconsciousness

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• a rash or itching
• a fever
• nasal congestion

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Robaxin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• headache or blurred vision
• nausea or a metallic taste in your mouth
• brown, black, or green urine (this is not harmful)

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Many drugs can increase the effects of Robaxin, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• brompheniramine (Dimetane®, Bromfed®)
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®, Teldrin®)
• azatadine (Optimine®)
• clemastine (Tavist® and many others)
• meperidine (Demerol®)
• morphine (MS Contin®, MSIR®)
• propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
• hydrocodone (Lorcet®, Vicodin®)
• oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®)
• fentanyl (Duragesic®)
• codeine (Fiorinal®, Fioricet®, Tylenol#3®)
• phenobarbital (Solfoton®, Luminal®)
• amobarbital (Amytal®)
• secobarbital (Seconal®)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
• fluphenazine (Prolixin®)
• mesoridazine (Serentil®)
• perphenazine (Trilafon®)
• prochlorperazine (Compazine®)
• thioridazine (Mellaril®)
• trifluoperazine (Stelazine®)
• doxepin (Sinequan®)
• imipramine (Tofranil®)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
• fluoxetine (Prozac®)
• paroxetine (Paxil®)
• sertraline (Zoloft®)
• phenelzine (Nardil®)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate®)

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Robaxin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.