Class
- Skeletal muscle relaxant, centrally acting
Methocarbamol
Commonly Prescribed for
(FDA approved in bold)
- Musculoskeletal conditions. (Adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of acute pain.)
- Muscle spasm
Methocarbamol
How the Drug Works
- Unclear but might be related to general CNS depression effect
Methocarbamol
How Long Until It Works
- Pain – 30 minutes or less
Methocarbamol
If It Works
- Slowly titrate to most effective tolerated dose
Methocarbamol
If It Doesn’t Work
- Increase to highest tolerated dose and consider alternative treatments
Methocarbamol
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response or Treatment-Resistance
- Use other centrally acting muscle relaxants with caution due to potential additive CNS depressant effect
- Can combine with NSAIDs for acute pain
Methocarbamol
Tests
- None
Adverse Effects (AEs)
Methocarbamol
How Drug Causes AEs
- Most AEs are due to CNS depression
Methocarbamol
Notable AEs
- Confusion, amnesia, dizziness, drowsiness, sedation, blurred vision, nystagmus, bradycardia, hypotension, pruritus, nasal congestion. Jaundice has been reported
Methocarbamol
Life-Threatening or Dangerous AEs
- Leukopenia, seizures, and anaphylactic reactions have been reported
Methocarbamol
Weight Gain
- Unusual
Methocarbamol
Sedation
- Common
Methocarbamol
What to Do About AEs
- Lower the dose or discontinue drug
