Robaxin, a brand name for Methocarbamol, belongs to the drug class called muscle relaxants. This drug acts on the central nervous system and its main use is to lessen the intensity of muscle pain and cramps. Additionally, Robaxin is typically taken to complement rest and therapy.
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In 2018, around 1.7 million patients in the United States used this medication. Although its potential therapeutic benefits are great, some Methocarbamol interactions can lead to serious side effects, especially when drug interactions occur. Because of this, it is important to always seek medical help before taking one drug with another. In this article, information about Methocarbamol drug interactions with certain substances and drugs will be provided.
Before taking Methocarbamol or any other medications, seek medical advice in order to avoid unwanted dangerous health events.
Methocarbamol And Alcohol
Methocarbamol and alcohol act on the nervous system. The former works by blocking nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are being sent to the brain while the latter works by altering the membranes of the brain, which leads to sedation and reduction of pain. Moreover, Robaxin’s primary use is muscle relaxant and medically speaking, alcohol can be used as a pain reliever for different health conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia.
So, for people who are wondering, can one take Methocarbamol and alcohol together, the Food and Drug Administration states that when Robaxin is mixed with alcohol, drug overdose is possible to occur. Below is information about the other side effects when mixing Methocarbamol and alcohol:
- Increased dizziness
- Severe somnolence
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired thinking and judgment
- Poor coordination
- Hot flushes
- Stomach upset
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
Indeed, Methocarbamol and alcohol interaction can be fatal. During pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers are also advised not to consume Robaxin as this may cause possible fetal and congenital abnormalities. Before taking this drug or any other medications, seek medical advice in order to avoid unwanted dangerous health events.
Methocarbamol And Weed
Although both Methocarbamol and weed act on the brain, they differ on their mechanism of actions. The former works by blocking pain sensations while the latter works by stimulating neurons leading to induction of mental and behavioral effects such as altered mood, disturbed memory functions, and impaired judgment.
In terms of interactions, combining weed with any medicine is dangerous to the health, especially when there is no medical professional intervention. Additionally, when Methocarbamol and weed are mixed together, dysphemia (speech defect) may occur in females and arachnoiditis (pain due to inflammation of arachnoid) may occur in males. Other side effects include:
- Malaise
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Memory loss
- Seizure
Aside from the information listed above, consuming Methocarbamol and weed together may lead to drug intolerance due to substance abuse. Eventually, this may lead to addiction and possible withdrawal effects.
Methocarbamol Interactions With NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are largely available as over-the-counter pain relievers. These are typically recommended as the first line of treatment to ease pain. There are studies that have shown how a Robaxin-Ibuprofen combination may be more effective than just taking either of these two drug classes alone. In this section, information about the Methocarbamol interactions with NSAIDs will be provided.
Methocarbamol And Ibuprofen
Robaxin belongs to the drug class called muscle relaxants. Like Ibuprofen, Robaxin is used as a pain reliever for muscle pains and cramps. When there are times when Robaxin is not easing the pain, Ibuprofen is combined. But, for patients who are asking if this Methocarbamol and Ibuprofen combination is safe, it is relatively fine to say that this interaction is safe.
In fact, it is common for healthcare providers to prescribe Robaxin and Ibuprofen at the same time. The combined action of Methocarbamol and Ibuprofen work better because it releases muscle tension while simultaneously reducing pain and inflammation. There are available branded and generic Methocarbamol and Ibuprofen drugs, such as Robax Platinum, that provide more benefits in one oral serving. This Ibuprofen and Robaxin combination is often prescribed for back pain but also for sprains and neck pain. Still, a study published in the Korean Clinical Laboratory Science, claims that the therapeutic effects of Methocarbamol interactions with Ibuprofen can be further augmented when accompanied by invasive stretching.
For the side effects, there are no known side effects when Methocarbamol and Ibuprofen are used together. However, understand that these two cannot be used during pregnancy if not under the supervision of a doctor as there is a minimal risk for both medications to pass into the breastmilk.
Methocarbamol And Tylenol
Acetaminophen, the generic name of Tylenol, is also typically prescribed for combination with Robaxin. Robaxin used for relaxing tensed muscles can be combined with Acetaminophen, which is an OTC pain reliever, and this Methocarbamol and Tylenol combination is common in Canada.
Moreover, Methocarbamol and Tylenol combination may be taken in the form of combination drugs, such as Robaxacet, which are available in generic, unbranded varieties. The combined Methocarbamol and Tylenol drug may cause minimal side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and light-headedness.
Robaxin And Naproxen
Like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, physicians also sometimes prescribe Robaxin to be taken with Naproxen. The goal is to lessen the pain while stiff muscles are relaxed. However, a study conducted by Friedman concluded that Robaxin and Naproxen, when taken together, do not deliver improved outcomes compared to just taking Naproxen alone.
In another study, medical professionals from Korea reported that combining Robaxin, Tylenol, and Naproxen together is actually helpful in managing overall pain. However, this combination must only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
It is important to stay cautious during the course of Robaxin use because this medication has addictive properties.
Methocarbamol Interactions With Opioids
Methocarbamol drug interactions with opioids can lead to severe adverse effects such as extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty of breathing. An FDA warning, released in 2016, stressed that combined medication involving Robaxin and opioids should only be limited to cases where alternative treatment courses have been exhausted.
Methocarbamol And Hydrocodone
Combination Methocarbamol and Hydrocodone is also considered a combination treatment for pain involving muscle spasm. However, this is only a last-line treatment because of the possible dangerous side effects such as respiratory distress, coma, and death. Additionally, when these two substances are combined, the CNS depressant activities of the opioid drug will be increased, causing the effects:
- Severe headache
- Somnolence
- Extreme dizziness
Remember that Methocarbamol and Hydrocodone are prescription drugs and can be only taken together under the supervision of a doctor. In case a patient has mixed these two substances together intentionally or unintentionally, it is advised to seek emergency medical care as soon as possible in order to avoid unwanted dangerous health events.
Methocarbamol And Tramadol
Methocarbamol and Tramadol are usually prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain accompanied by muscle pain and tension. Both of these drugs are available in generic forms and both are prescription drugs. When either drug is taken, mild sedation can be expected. However, combining Tramadol and Robaxin as part of a treatment course may increase the risk for more intense drowsiness and, thus, the potential for injury. Other serious side effects of when these two substances are combined are the following:
- Respiratory distress
- Coma
- Death
Moreover, Methocarbamol and Tramadol, if taken only in quantities and frequencies prescribed by a physician, should be safe even when taken together. At higher quantities and prolonged use, these medications can develop into an addiction.
Other Methocarbamol Drug Interactions
Methocarbamol drug interactions have also been observed with other drug classes such as anticonvulsants and benzodiazepines. Because of this, caution and care should be taken when taking other drugs as part of regular maintenance or course of treatment. In this section, information about Methocarbamol drug interactions with Gabapentin and Xanax will be provided.
Methocarbamol And Gabapentin
Robaxin is under the drug class of muscle relaxants while Gabapentin belongs to the anticonvulsants. History wise, the original use of Gabapentin was a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic drug. Later, this medication was found to be an effective anticonvulsant.
In terms of use, Gabapentin is a widely used medicine for managing epilepsy, seizures, and nerve pain. Methocarbamol and Gabapentin are both used to ease pain, particularly lower back pain.
In terms of interaction, taking Methocarbamol and Gabapentin together has been shown to result in increased severity of adverse effects including intense drowsiness, lack of focus, confusion, increased risk for injury, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Side effects vary from person-to-person. This combination is generally not recommended for older adults.
Methocarbamol And Xanax
Xanax is a prescription drug used to treat stress and anxiety. It belongs to the drug classification called Benzodiazepines and its active ingredient Alprazolam. Both Xanax and Robaxin act on the brain. The former works by depressing the central nervous system while the latter works by blocking pain sensations. Moreover, when Methocarbamol and Xanax are taken together, this depressing effect can intensify.
Other Side Effects When These Two Are Combined Are The Following:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Somnolence
- Confusion
- Impaired thinking and judgment
Take note that an increased risk for injuries is possible as a result of drowsiness. For this reason, any patient who is under Methocarbamol and Xanax treatment must avoid operating machinery. Also, medical professionals from University of Kentucky states that even after the day a patient has used any of these drugs, the dizziness effect is still present and this may still cause impaired driving abilities.
Ask A Health Professional Before Taking Robaxin With Other Drugs
A patient’s current medical health and medications being taken are to be considered when taking Robaxin in its different dosage forms. However, there are times when patients accidentally mix Robaxin with other substances and drugs. When this happens, there will be a need to call emergency services.
To Avoid Drug Interactions, Take Note Of The Following Information:
- Never take Robaxin without professional supervision
- Disclose a doctor all the substances that a patient is taking to validate possible methocarbamol interactions
- Take Robaxin only as prescribed
- Do not stop the medication or search for alternatives without seeking the advice of a healthcare provider
- If one experiences side effects or any unexpected symptoms from taking Robaxin, see a physician immediately
It is important to stay cautious during the course of Robaxin use because this medication has addictive properties. If any signs of Robaxin abuse were noticed, one should enroll in an addiction treatment program before it is too late. Ask a doctor about a suitable rehabilitation facility that will match the patient’s needs.
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