Overview: Methocarbamol is used short-term to relieve muscle, bone, and joint pain. It seems to relax muscles by affecting nerve activity in the spinal cord. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how methocarbamol affects you.

Uses

What is methocarbamol used for?

Methocarbamol is commonly used for discomfort related to short-term, painful musculoskeletal conditions. These are conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints of your body.

Methocarbamol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does methocarbamol work (mechanism of action)?

Methocarbamol seems to work by reducing nerve activity in the spinal cord. This helps to relax the muscles and reduce muscle spasms.

How is methocarbamol supplied (dosage forms)?

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 mg oral tablets
  • 750 mg oral tablets

Methocarbamol is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store methocarbamol?

Oral Tablets. Methocarbamol tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Injection. Methocarbamol injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of methocarbamol?

The most common side effects of methocarbamol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness and dizziness (see below)
  • Confusion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site

There may be other side effects of methocarbamol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of methocarbamol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of methocarbamol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Methocarbamol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking methocarbamol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression. Methocarbamol may slow down your central nervous system (CNS), which controls many vital bodily functions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of CNS depression.

  • Confusion
  • Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake
  • Memory problems
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Slowed response or reaction time
  • Slurred speech

Drowsiness and Dizziness. Methocarbamol can affect your alertness or coordination by causing dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how methocarbamol affects you.

Seizures. Some people who have used methocarbamol have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking methocarbamol and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use methocarbamol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use methocarbamol.

  • Methocarbamol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific methocarbamol products they stock.

Kidney Problems. Methocarbamol injection should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to use this medicine.

What should I know about methocarbamol before using it?

Do not use methocarbamol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share methocarbamol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep methocarbamol out of the reach of children.

Methocarbamol is usually used with rest, physical therapy, or other measures to help with discomfort related to painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Methocarbamol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how methocarbamol affects you.

People who are aged 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from methocarbamol. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using methocarbamol?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if methocarbamol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Methocarbamol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking methocarbamol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how methocarbamol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if methocarbamol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take methocarbamol while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does methocarbamol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between methocarbamol and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while taking methocarbamol. The risk of drowsiness and dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol with it.

Does methocarbamol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking methocarbamol.

  • Any medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
  • An anticholinesterase, such as pyridostigmine, which is a medicine used for myasthenia gravis 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with methocarbamol. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much methocarbamol?

If you or someone else has used too much methocarbamol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of methocarbamol?

Oral Tablets. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Injection. Methocarbamol injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your injection, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.