Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Addiction | Abuse, Effects, Withdrawal, & Treatment

Robaxin is the brand name for a prescription drug called methocarbamol. As a skeletal muscle relaxant, it provides short-term relief for muscle pain caused by sprains, strains, and other injuries. It’s usually used alongside physical therapy. 

Although Robaxin is not a controlled substance, it has abuse potential. People who abuse Robaxin may develop symptoms of addiction. 

What Is Robaxin Abuse?

When used as prescribed by your healthcare provider, Robaxin can safely treat pain caused by muscle injuries. However, some people abuse the drug by using it in a manner not prescribed. For example, they might:

• take it more often than prescribed
• take higher doses than prescribed
• mix it with other drugs
• take it without a prescription 

Most people who abuse Robaxin have a history of abusing other drugs, especially opioid painkillers. Robaxin does not make you feel relaxed and happy (or “high”) like opioids do. However, it can cause side effects that remind people of an opioid high, including drowsiness and dizziness. 

In addition, some people with opioid addiction abuse Robaxin to try and ease muscle spasms caused by opioid withdrawal. 

Effects Of Robaxin Abuse

Like other types of drug abuse, Robaxin abuse poses serious health risks, including increased side effects, overdose, and addiction.

Increased Side Effects

The most common side effects of methocarbamol include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• headache
• upset stomach
• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• green, blue, or black urine
• fever

People who abuse the drug are more likely to experience these side effects. They also face a higher risk of rarer, more serious side effects, including:

• lightheadedness
• itching, swelling, or rash
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• slow heart rate
• seizures
• confusion
• suicidal thoughts

If you experience these more serious side effects, contact your doctor right away. If you experience trouble breathing or sudden, severe heartbeat changes, call 911.

To reduce the risk of side effects, most doctors don’t prescribe Robaxin for people aged 65 or older. That’s because many older adults have medical conditions that require them to take prescription and over-the-counter medications that interact negatively with Robaxin. 

Overdose

Robaxin is a central nervous system depressant. That means it slows down your breathing, heart rate, and other central nervous system functions. 

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Robaxin can cause an overdose when mixed with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, tranquilizers, and certain sleeping pills. 

The most common symptoms of a Robaxin overdose include:

• extreme drowsiness
• slow or shallow breathing
• weak pulse
• low blood pressure
• seizures
• loss of consciousness

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 911 right away. 

Addiction

In general, Robaxin does not pose a high risk of addiction (also called substance use disorder). That’s because, as mentioned above, it does not make you feel high. However, some people who regularly abuse Robaxin develop symptoms of addiction, such as:

• strong cravings for Robaxin
• loss of interest in activities that don’t involve drug use
• loss of motivation at work or school
• mood swings
• irritability 
• avoidance of family and friends
• doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions of Robaxin)

Robaxin Withdrawal

Unlike most drugs of abuse, Robaxin does not seem to cause withdrawal symptoms. 

However, to reduce the risk of side effects, most doctors recommend that you start and stop the drug slowly. That means you should never quit Robaxin suddenly (or “cold turkey”), especially if you take high doses. Instead, ask your doctor to help you gradually taper off of it. 

Robaxin Addiction Treatment Options

If you or a loved one shows symptoms of Robaxin addiction, seek help at a substance abuse treatment program. 

Some of these programs are inpatient, meaning you live at a rehab center and receive constant supervision. Other programs are outpatient, meaning you live at home and regularly visit a rehab center. Your doctor can help you decide which option is right for you.

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer a variety of services to help you stop using Robaxin. These services include:

• medical detox, in which medical professionals will keep you safe and comfortable as you slowly get Robaxin out of your system
• mental health counseling, in which a therapist can help you cope with Robaxin cravings and any mental health concerns that may have led you to abuse drugs in the first place
• support groups, in which you can discuss your experiences and coping skills with other people recovering from addiction

To learn more about Robaxin addiction treatment options, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one stay drug-free.