How Much Methocarbamol Can You Take? 6 Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Taking Methocarbamol

Methocarbamol is a prescription-only muscle relaxer used to relieve muscle pain and spasms. It’s thought to work by relaxing nerves that activate the muscles. It may have direct effects on the muscles as well.

Here, we’ll cover how much methocarbamol you can take in a single dose, along with five other tips for taking the medication.

1. Your prescriber will determine how much methocarbamol you can take

Most medications have a maximum dosage that’s been tested in humans. But with most medications, including muscle relaxers, it’s usually best to take the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time possible. This can help you avoid short- and long-term side effects. 

With methocarbamol, how much you can take depends on your prescriber’s instructions. The usual starting methocarbamol dosage is 6,000 mg per day. But this isn’t taken all at once. It’s usually divided into four doses (1,500 mg per dose). Then, after 2 to 3 days, your prescriber may decrease your dosage to 4,000 mg per day, divided into 3 or more doses. The maximum dosage is 8,000 mg per day.

Your prescriber will determine the best dosage for you based on your individual needs. For example, older adults may need to take a lower dosage of methocarbamol (or avoid muscle relaxers entirely). So be sure to follow your prescriber’s instructions. Taking too much methocarbamol can increase your risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination. More seriously, you could experience injuries or seizures.

If you don’t feel like methocarbamol is helping with your pain, let your prescriber know as you may need a higher dosage. But don’t increase your dosage without specific instructions from your prescriber.

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2. There isn’t one best time to take methocarbamol

As mentioned above, methocarbamol is usually taken multiple times a day. So you’ll likely need to take it in the morning, during the day, and at night.

But keep in mind that methocarbamol can make you sleepy. So when you first start taking the medication, it’s best to avoid doing activities that require you to be alert, such as driving. Wait a few days until you see how methocarbamol affects you. Then, talk with your prescriber about whether it’s safe to resume these activities.

3. You can take methocarbamol with or without food

Some medications need to be taken either with food or without. But methocarbamol can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. 

While it’s not one of the most common side effects, nausea is possible with methocarbamol. If you experience nausea, try taking the medication with food to see if that helps. You can also try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, staying hydrated, and avoiding spicy or fried foods.

4. If your child or pet accidentally swallows methocarbamol, you should call poison control

All medications, including methocarbamol, should be stored in a safe place that pets and small children can’t access. You can do this by keeping the medication in a place that’s above where pets and children can reach or by using a medical lockbox.

If your child or pet swallows methocarbamol, call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222. A representative will be able to quickly recommend a course of action based on how much methocarbamol was taken and other factors.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Methocarbamol side effects: Learn about managing methocarbamol side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. 

• Methocarbamol interactions: If you take methocarbamol, knowing about potential drug interactions can help keep you safe.

• Comparing muscle relaxers: Several muscle relaxers are available to treat muscle pain and spasms, but they have some notable differences to consider.

If your child or pet has symptoms like severe nausea, blurry vision, or seizures, get help right away by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room (or pet hospital). They could be having a methocarbamol overdose.

5. Methocarbamol has some drug interactions to be aware of

Methocarbamol can be taken at the same time as your other medications, unless you take a medication that needs to be separated from other medications, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl).

But methocarbamol can interact with some medications. These drug interactions are usually due to methocarbamol’s ability to cause dizziness and drowsiness, which are possible side effects of several other medications. Examples include:

• Opioids, such as tramadol (Conzip, Qdolo) and oxycodone (Roxicodone, Oxycontin)

• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin)

• Sleep medications like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta)

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

• Gabapentin (Neurontin)

• Trazodone

In severe cases, combining one of these medications with methocarbamol can lead to an overdose, resulting in slowed breathing, coma, or death. Though, this is rare. And in certain cases, combining the medication may be necessary. 

If you’re taking methocarbamol with an interacting medication, your prescriber will instruct you to closely monitor for side effects. Make sure to share your updated medication list with them so that they can help you manage or avoid potential interactions.

Good to know: One frequently asked question about methocarbamol is whether it can be taken with pain relievers. As mentioned above, combining methocarbamol and opioids can cause increased drowsiness. But medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are typically OK to take with methocarbamol. Just be sure to check with your prescriber first.

6. You shouldn’t drink alcohol while taking methocarbamol

Combining methocarbamol and alcohol is not recommended. Like methocarbamol, alcohol has sedative-like effects on the body. And combining the two can worsen side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. More seriously, it can lead to falls, injuries, and overdose.

Everyone responds differently to alcohol. But there’s no amount of alcohol that’s considered safe to drink while taking methocarbamol. Check with your prescriber if you think you won’t be able to stop drinking alcohol while taking methocarbamol. They may recommend a different medication.

If you’re wondering how long after taking methocarbamol you should wait to drink alcohol, there’s not an exact answer. Methocarbamol can last in the body for several hours, so it’s likely safest to wait at least 1 day after your last dose.

How to save on methocarbamol

Methocarbamol tablets are only available as a generic medication. GoodRx may be able to help you save over 60% off the average retail price of the medication. With a free GoodRx coupon, the price for 60 tablets of methocarbamol 500 mg may be as low as $8.40 at certain pharmacies.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

​​Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. Ulrich’s experience includes direct patient care in hospital and community pharmacies.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Soojin Jun, PharmD, BCGP

Soojin Jun, PharmD, has a decade of experience in pharmacy. She trained in various areas of healthcare to ensure patient safety, from activism, geriatric pharmacy, and medication safety, to death and dying, and trauma-informed care.

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