Is Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Addictive?

Robaxin is a brand name for methocarbamol, a prescription muscle relaxant commonly used to treat muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness caused by injuries or musculoskeletal conditions. The medication works by affecting the central nervous system to help muscles relax and reduce discomfort. Robaxin is not classified as a controlled substance and is generally considered to have a low potential for abuse,  but there are questions about its addictive properties.

When taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor, Robaxin is relatively safe and the risk of developing addiction is low. However, like many medications that affect the central nervous system, Robaxin can be misused, and certain individuals may be at higher risk for developing problematic use patterns. People with a history of substance abuse, particularly those who have misused legal painkillers or illicit drugs like heroin, may be more vulnerable to abusing Robaxin.

What Is Robaxin Used For?

Robaxin is a muscle relaxant and central nervous system depressant. It can be used to treat muscle spasms, tension, and pain following a muscle injury. This drug is taken orally by mouth in the form of a 500 mg or 750 mg tablet, three to six times a day, depending on your healthcare provider’s instructions for use.

Robaxin is similar to other common skeletal muscle relaxants, such as carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and metaxalone (Skelaxin).

Is Robaxin An Opioid?

No. Although Robaxin can help with pain following a muscle injury, it is not used for general pain and it is not classified as an opioid or opiate narcotic.

Robaxin has been used to treat:

• muscle pain
• back pain
• pain from fractures, sprains, or strains
• muscle stiffness
• spasms and seizures in animals

Methocarbamol is typically prescribed in conjunction with physical therapy, rest, and/or other forms of treatment for muscle pain relief or discomfort.

What Are Common Side Effects Of Methocarbamol?

Robaxin can cause certain physical and cognitive side effects when taken as prescribed.

Common side effects of Robaxin can include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• blurred vision
• headache
• nausea
• skin rash
• fever
• upset stomach
• urine discoloration
• decreased blood pressure
• reduced heart rate

Serious side effects can also occur, including:

• itching
• seizures (more common with a history of epilepsy)
• leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
• confusion
• memory troubles
• jaundice

Experiencing serious side effects when taking Robaxin as prescribed is uncommon. If serious side effects do occur, call your doctor or seek medical attention for a severe issue right away.

Is Robaxin Dangerous?

Robaxin does not carry serious health risks in most people, when it is taken as prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition. This is why Robaxin is not a controlled substance, such as other dangerous drugs with abuse potential. However, this drug can have negative drug interactions. People who take this medication with other depressants should exert caution, due to an increased risk of adverse side effects.

Robaxin can negatively interact with:

• prescription painkillers (e.g. opioids)
• cough and cold medications
• barbiturates
• benzodiazepines
• antidepressants
• sleeping pills
• other sedatives or tranquilizers

Drinking alcohol while taking Robaxin, or taking multiple CNS depressants at a time, can increase the risk for adverse effects, including sedation. This medication can also be risky for older adults. That’s because there is an increased risk of adverse effects if you take Robaxin with other drugs commonly prescribed for those ages 65 and older.

Can You Overdose On Robaxin?

Overdose can occur if you take extremely high doses of Robaxin, or if you mix Robaxin with other CNS depressants, like alcohol or opioids.

Signs of Robaxin overdose might include:

• sedation
• severe drowsiness
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• weak pulse
• very slow or shallow breathing
• loss of consciousness
• seizures
• coma

Overdose is a serious reaction. If someone you know is showing signs of overdose, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

Can Robaxin Cause Chemical Dependence?

Robaxin is not associated with physical dependence or a high risk of addiction. Unlike opioids, for example, Robaxin does not cause a “high” (euphoria). It is also not known to cause symptoms of withdrawal if you stop taking it.

Signs Of Robaxin Abuse

Although uncommon, Robaxin abuse has been reported in some people with a history of substance abuse, or substance use disorder.

Signs of Robaxin abuse might include:

• crushing and snorting Robaxin
• dissolving Robaxin to inject
• mixing it with other drugs for stronger effects
• mixing Robaxin with alcohol
• taking higher doses than prescribed
• taking doses more frequently than prescribed
• taking it for longer than prescribed
• taking tablets from a family member’s prescription

What Is The Treatment For Robaxin Abuse And Addiction?

A drug addiction treatment program will typically involve a combination of medical and behavioral health treatments, such as group therapy and drug counseling. Treatment for Robaxin abuse may be offered on an inpatient or outpatient level, depending on your overall health status and the severity of your substance use problem.

Mental health treatment and other treatments for physical health conditions, such as chronic pain, may also be offered within a drug abuse rehab program.

Safe Use And Alternatives To Robaxin

To use Robaxin safely, always take it exactly as prescribed and never increase the dose without your doctor’s approval. Robaxin is meant for short-term use, typically two to three weeks, so follow your doctor’s instructions about when to stop. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other sedatives while on Robaxin, as this increases the risk of dangerous side effects.

For people worried about dependence or those with substance abuse history, non-medication options can help manage muscle pain. These include physical therapy and exercises, heat or ice therapy, massage, stretching and relaxation techniques, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, and lifestyle changes like improving posture.

Your doctor can help create a pain management plan that combines Robaxin with these alternatives for short-term use, or recommend non-medication treatments if Robaxin isn’t right for you.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff