Mixing Robaxin With Alcohol

Methocarbamol is a medication that’s prescribed to reduce involuntary muscle spasms and the pain associated with them. Robaxin is a brand name of methocarbamol. Methocarbamol should not be mixed with alcohol due to the possibility of increased drowsiness and poor coordination.

Pregnant mothers and those who are breastfeeding may want to avoid taking methocarbamol. Early research indicates that taking Robaxin during pregnancy may increase the chances of congenital birth defects. Methocarbamol may cause conflicts with medications that act as anticholinesterase agents. Share with your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

The elderly and individuals with poor kidney or liver function are at a higher risk for complications when taking methocarbamol. Side effects of methocarbamol in healthy individuals may include clumsiness, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing of the skin (red/hot), fever, upset stomach and blurred vision. Such symptoms, despite being relatively common, should be reported to the prescribing physician immediately. Other more serious side effects may include persistent nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fainting, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) and a severe, itchy skin rash.

On rare occasions, patients may experience rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or an unusually slow heart rate (bradycardia). Such symptoms can be indicative of a more serious underlying issue and should be treated as an immediate health risk. Suicidal thoughts are rare but should be taken seriously. Certain individuals may also experience signs of infection, trouble urinating and abrupt changes in mood. Urine may turn blue, black or green, but is not a sign of an underlying health issue and is no reason for concern.

Methocarbamol reduces the occurrence of muscle spasms as well as pain and discomfort by inhibiting the firing of the nerve endings. The exact mechanism of action of methocarbamol is not yet fully understood. Researchers think that Robaxin’s effectiveness may be related to its impact on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

Mixing Robaxin with alcohol is discouraged. The combined effects of methocarbamol and alcohol can lead to extreme drowsiness, severe clumsiness (ataxia) and a general intensifying of the effects that alcohol has on the central nervous system (CNS). Patients are advised not to drive an automobile or operate heavy machinery while taking Robaxin.

Methocarbamol is safe and effective at a wide range of doses. Common doses for the treatment of muscle spasms range between 500 mg and 750 mg a day. The risk of side effects increases at high doses. High doses may be prescribed for the treatment of lockjaw that associated with tetanus. Individuals taking higher doses, the elderly and people with liver or kidney failure are at an increased risk for side effects.

Side effects range from dizziness and drowsiness to potentially life-threatening fluctuations in heart rate and suicidal ideations. Speak with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the side effects mentioned in this article. Alcohol and Robaxin should not be mixed due to the potential for unmanageable drowsiness and poor coordination.