Sometimes, after an accident or for some other reason, your muscles become tight and painful, right? This pain can make it difficult to do even daily tasks. Methocarbamol is a medication that can help reduce this type of muscle pain and stiffness. It is usually given as an injection. Let's talk about this today.
What is Methocarbamol?
Simply put, methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant . The main reason why our muscles become tense and painful is because of unwanted signals from the nervous system. Think of it like a phone that keeps ringing, when the nerves keep sending signals, the muscles become tense. So what this medicine does is it controls those unwanted nerve signals from the brain to the muscles and calms the nerves. Then the tense and knotted muscles gradually relax and the pain decreases.
It is commonly known by the brand name `Robaxin`. However, doctors may prescribe it for other purposes as well. So if you have any questions, it is best to ask your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you methocarbamol injection, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history. This medicine can interact with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation to be reported | Description and importance |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the medicine may accumulate in the body and increase the side effects. |
| Epilepsy or seizures (Seizures) | Because this medicine affects the nervous system, special care should be taken when giving it to someone with a history of seizures. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to methocarbamol, latex, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant | If you are pregnant or expecting a baby, you need to make sure that this medicine will not affect the fetus. |
| Breastfeeding | Talk to your doctor about whether the medication can pass to your baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
Methocarbamol injection is usually given into a muscle or a vein . This is often given by medical staff in a hospital or clinic.
However, in some special cases, if you have to get this injection at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. In such a case, follow the instructions given exactly. Take only the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
Important: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
Can this medicine be given to children?
In some special cases, this medicine may be prescribed to children, but this should be done with great caution and under special medical supervision.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can cause unwanted reactions when taken with methocarbamol. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). This medication may interact with the following in particular:
- Alcohol: Both of these depress the nervous system, so when taken together, they can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
- Other drugs that cause drowsiness:
- Medicines for colds and allergies (Antihistamines)
- Medication for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine)
- Anticonvulsant medication (e.g. phenobarbital)
- Narcotic pain medications for severe pain
- Some cough syrups with an intoxicating effect
- Anesthetics: This medicine may interact with anesthetics given before surgery.
- Other muscle relaxants
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to consider when taking medication
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, you should avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- If you are elderly, avoid getting up or sitting down too quickly. Change positions frequently. Otherwise, you may become dizzy and fall.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely. Alcohol can make the side effects of the medication more severe.
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, notify your doctor immediately.
- If you have trouble breathing or become very sleepy, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital immediately.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medicine, methocarbamol can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, confusion. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Dizziness and drowsiness | These are common until the body gets used to the medication. |
| Headache | |
| A metallic taste in the mouth | This can happen when the medicine is given into a vein. |
| Stomach ache | |
| Pain and redness at the injection site | |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Methocarbamol is a medicine that reduces muscle pain and stiffness and calms the nerves.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially kidney disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- The medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, excessive drowsiness, or severe allergic symptoms.
- Feel free to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
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