5 Methocarbamol Side Effects To Know About

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer that relieves muscle pain and discomfort. If you’re having these muscle-related symptoms, the last thing you want to deal with is medication side effects. While not everyone has side effects with methocarbamol, there are still risks to keep in mind.

Your prescriber will review methocarbamol dosage options and drug interactions when prescribing this medication to you. They may also recommend tips for managing certain risks. Below, we’ll cover five methocarbamol side effects and how to manage them.

Methocarbamol side effects at a glance

Methocarbamol is usually well-tolerated. But side effects are possible, and they can have an impact on your daily activities. Mild side effects may include:

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Blurry vision

• Headache

• Upset stomach

• Nausea

• Metallic taste in your mouth

• Itching

While serious side effects are rare, they’re possible. Examples include:

• Seizures

• Confusion and memory problems

• Slowed breathing

• Low heart rate

• Low blood pressure

• Low white blood cell counts

1. Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a possible methocarbamol side effect. This is because methocarbamol is thought to work partly on the brain to relieve muscle pain. But its effect on the brain may also be why it causes drowsiness. However, it's less likely to cause sleepiness than other muscle relaxers.

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Methocarbamol is often taken multiple times a day, so avoiding drowsiness throughout the day may not be possible. If you’re feeling tired, avoid activities that require you to be alert. These include driving, operating heavy machinery, or taking care of young children.

Methocarbamol is typically only meant to be taken for a short period of time. But if your drowsiness doesn’t improve and it’s affecting your daily life, talk with your healthcare team. They may recommend lowering your dose or switching you to another medication.

 It’s also important to note that several medications you take may cause drowsiness. So avoiding methocarbamol with these medications may be necessary. Examples include opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications.

2. Dizziness

Dizziness is another possible methocarbamol side effect. But like drowsiness, there are many causes of dizziness. So it may not always be due to the methocarbamol you’re taking.

If you’re dizzy, avoid doing activities that require alertness. And make sure you have something to hold on to when changing positions, such as standing up from a seated position. Sit down or rest until your dizziness passes. This can help you avoid falls and injuries. 

If your dizziness doesn’t go away or gets worse, there could be another cause. In this case, you should check with your prescriber about what to do next.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Comparing muscle relaxers: There are several prescription muscle relaxers to ease muscle pain. They have multiple similarities and differences.

• Methocarbamol dosage: Taking methocarbamol correctly is key to getting the most out of your medication.

• Methocarbamol interactions: Methocarbamol can interact with other medications you take, but some interactions may be preventable.

3. Headache

Headache is a common side effect of several medications. It can also occur with methocarbamol, but it’s usually mild and resolves on its own.

In the meantime, you can try a few things at home to manage your headaches. Staying hydrated, exercising, and reducing stress can help you prevent and manage headaches. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) might also help. But check with your prescriber before trying these medications, as they’re not the best options for everyone.

If your headaches worsen or become severe, talk to your prescriber right away. This could be a sign that something else is going on.

4. Impaired mental ability

Methocarbamol and other muscle relaxers are considered sedative-like medications. Sedative-like medications can lead to poor coordination, forgetfulness, and trouble concentrating. This might make it difficult to fulfill your usual responsibilities, including driving. 

When you first start taking methocarbamol, avoid driving or doing anything that requires focus. After you see how it affects you, you and your prescriber can decide if it’s safe for you to resume your normal activities.

5. Seizures

Seizures are a possible but rare methocarbamol side effect. People with epilepsy (seizure disorder), may be more likely to experience seizures while taking methocarbamol. Seizures are also more likely with high doses of methocarbamol.

Before starting this medication, let your prescriber know if you have a history of seizures. They may suggest an alternative medication or recommend closer monitoring.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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:

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA, is a licensed pharmacist specializing in chronic disease and health and wellness. Upon completing his residency, he worked in the managed care field, conducting medication therapy management and adherence counseling sessions with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance patients, before transitioning to a career in medical writing.

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