Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology Online
In Collaboration With
Methocarbamol
Therapeutics
Brands
• Robaxin
Generic?
Yes
Class
• Skeletal muscle relaxant, centrally acting
Commonly Prescribed for
(FDA approved in bold)
• Musculoskeletal conditions. (Adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of acute pain.)
• Muscle spasm
How the Drug Works
• Unclear but might be related to general CNS depression effect
How Long Until It Works
• Pain - 30 minutes or less
If It Works
• Slowly titrate to most effective tolerated dose
If It Doesn't Work
• Increase to highest tolerated dose and consider alternative treatments
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response or Treatment-Resistance
• Use other centrally acting muscle relaxants with caution due to potential additive CNS depressant effect
• Can combine with NSAIDs for acute pain
Tests
• None