Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Side Effects

As with any medication, there are some risks involved with taking the muscle relaxant, Robaxin (methocarbamol).

Most commonly reported side-effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach
• Blurred vision

Because these risks vary from person to person, and by dose, it is recommended that tasks which require full attention, such as driving, not be undertaken until the patient knows how they will be affected.

The majority of people who use this medication will not have serious side-effects but those that have experienced serious side effects reported problems in several areas.

Serious side effects include:

• Digestive system: jaundice (including cholestatic jaundice), nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia.
• Cardiovascular system: bradycardia (a lack of oxygen pumping through the heart), hypotension or a lowering of blood pressure, syncope (passing out), flushing and thrombophlebitis (the blocking of a heart valve).
• Leukopenia, a decrease in the number of white blood cells was also reported by some patients.
• Anaphylactic reactions
• Fever
• Headaches
• An upset to an angioneurotic edema
• Nervous system: amnesia, confusion, diplopia (double-vision), dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, vertigo, loss of coordination, sedation, and nystagmus also known as involuntary eye-movement.
• Hypersensitivity reactions may occur along with effects to the skin and other senses.
• Other: conjunctivitis, nasal congestion, metallic taste, rash, pruritus, or urticaria.

Any patient who experiences any of the above symptoms should report these immediately to their doctor. These reactions may be mild or severe depending on the dosage prescribed.

Allergic reactions may also occur, but are rare. It is recommended that you get a copy of the full ingredient list, available from your doctor, if you have had allergic reactions to medications like methocarbamol. Make sure to tell your doctor about any of these reactions to prevent possible reactions with Robaxin.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Itching and/or swelling (particularly in the face, tongue, and throat).
• Dizziness
• Rash or hives
• Trouble breathing.

Other less-serious, less common side-effects have been reported. Although they are uncommon, you should still report them to your doctor.

Other potential side-effects include:

• Insomnia and other sleep problems
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Blurry vision
• Mild rash and itching
• Stuffy nose
• Skin redness
• Tingling feeling
• Eye redness.

Robaxin and alcohol

Alcohol can increase the severity of any of these symptoms. Because Robaxin affects the central nervous system, reaction times can be expected to be slower than they would be on average. Check with your doctor to see how much time they recommend before you drive, operate machinery, or take on calculus problems.