What is Robaxin (Methocarbamol)?

Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is a central nervous depressant and a muscle relaxant. Robaxin may be prescribed to treat individuals who are suffering from the symptoms of lockjaw or from injury. It is intended to provide short-term relief from acute muscle pain and stiffness and is often used alongside other forms of treatment. It is also sometimes used to relieve symptoms of opioid withdrawal, specifically muscle cramps and spasms.

Robaxin is generally sold in tablet form but it may also be administered intravenously in clinical settings. It works by blocking sensations of pain that are sent to your brain. Although it is not an opioid drug, it can produce similar side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness, which some people may mistake as being “high” on the drug.

Methocarbamol is sold under the brand name Robaxin and a generic version is also available. Users can only legally get it with a valid prescription. A dose of Robaxin is typically three 500 mg tablets taken four times daily or two 750 mg tablets taken four times daily.

Is Robaxin Addictive?

Robaxin (methocarbamol) is not generally considered an addictive drug because it does not produce feelings of euphoria, withdrawal symptoms, and unlike opioid painkillers, it does not relieve generalized pain. However, when it is taken in extremely high doses, it can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which can increase the likelihood of users abusing it.

Is Robaxin habit-forming?

Robaxin can be habit-forming due to the “high” that patients may experience. Oftentimes, Robaxin becomes addicting to individuals that are abusing the medication. Feelings of dizziness and drowsiness are side effects that can combine to create that “high” feeling abusers chase. Patients with a history of abusing narcotics are more likely to become psychologically addicted. Because of this, Robaxin can only purchased with a prescription because it can easily be abused and made into a habit.

Slang for Robaxin (Methocarbamol)

Robaxin is not as frequently abused as other prescription medications, so currently, there are no known street names for methocarbamol or Robaxin.

How Common Is Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Addiction and Abuse?

Robaxin is not a frequently abused drug, but some people may mistake the dizziness and drowsiness it causes for a “high.” As a result, they may misuse it in high doses. People who have a history of narcotic abuse and addiction are more likely to abuse Robaxin and become psychologically addicted to it.

Methocarbamol also interacts with other central nervous system depressants like prescription painkillers, cough and cold medicine, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, or anti-anxiety drugs, and may enhance their effects when taken simultaneously. Taking Robaxin with other CNS depressants is highly discouraged and can cause an overdose.

The best way to prevent Robaxin addiction and abuse is to take it exactly as directed by a doctor and avoid using other drugs or alcohol while taking it unless you’ve previously spoken with your doctor about it.

What Are the Side Effects of Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Abuse?

Abusing Robaxin can lead to harmful physical and psychological side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Robaxin (methocarbamol) abuse include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness

Chronic abuse of Robaxin has also been shown to cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors and someone who abuses it regularly with other CNS depressants may also be more likely to overdose. Signs and symptoms of a Robaxin overdose may include seizures or loss of consciousness.

Can you just stop taking methocarbamol?

Stopping any medication abruptly can be very dangerous, including methocarbamol. Speak with your medical professional before making any decisions or actions involving medications. Methocarbamol has little to no evidence of any withdrawal symptoms, however, a gradual progression on or off the medication will help prevent more severe side effects.

How long does it take for methocarbamol to get out of your system?

At the time of ingestion, Methocarbamol can last in the urine of an individual for a total of four hours. This can vary from person to person depending on their health or age. For example, the drug may stay in your system longer if you are a person who is 55 years of age or older. About only two percent of the Methocarbamol is absorbed and will continue to last in the blood for the next 24 hours after ingestion.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Abuse and Addiction?

While Robaxin addiction is not common, people who have a history of misusing opioid painkillers or substance abuse, in general, may be more likely to misuse methocarbamol. Signs and symptoms of Robaxin (methocarbamol) addiction and abuse may include:

• Taking large doses of Robaxin
• Using Robaxin recreationally (without any legitimate medical reason)
• Taking Robaxin with other drugs or alcohol to enhance the effects
• Faking symptoms to get a prescription for Robaxin
• “Doctor shopping” to get multiple prescriptions for Robaxin
• Having cravings for Robaxin
• Feeling like you need Robaxin to function normally
• Neglecting other responsibilities like work, school, or family to abuse Robaxin
• Isolating yourself from friends and family

Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Withdrawal Symptoms and Robaxin Detox

Robaxin isn’t known to cause any withdrawal symptoms, but medical professionals still recommend that recreational users and people who use it for legitimate medical reasons gradually transition on or off of the drug instead of starting or quitting abruptly. A Robaxin detox program facilitated by professionals can provide a safe and effective transition to sobriety.

If you think you may need Robaxin detox, the best course of action is to speak with your doctor or an addiction treatment professional about your treatment options. Robaxin detox may be covered by your insurance, which can make the process easy, safe, effective, and affordable.

Treatment for Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Addiction

If you are abusing Robaxin to enhance the effects of your drug of choice, you may choose to enroll in a professional Robaxin treatment program to address the addictive behaviors. Long-term drug rehab is an effective way to combat addictive behaviors and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), substance abuse treatment that lasts at least 90 days provides more positive treatment outcomes for clients and greatly reduces the risk of relapse.

A Robaxin rehab program for addiction may be comprised of several different treatment methods including:

• Educational lectures
• Recovery programming (12-step or a similar program)
• H&I meetings
• Life skills development
• Introduction to yoga and meditation
• Family therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy
• Specialized therapies like music therapy, art therapy, etc.

Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab for Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Addiction

Two common kinds of rehab that may be used to overcome Robaxin addiction are inpatient residential rehab and outpatient rehab. Both of these types of Robaxin treatment programs are equally recovery-focused, but each one offers different qualities that may be more or less advantageous for you depending on your circumstances.

Either inpatient or outpatient Robaxin rehab can help you achieve sobriety and provide the tools and skills you need to maintain it long-term, but here is a side-by-side comparison.

In residential Robaxin rehab, clients: Live at the rehab center temporarily while they complete treatment Adhere to a structured daily schedule set forth by leadership staff Attend group and individual therapy sessions Participate in various types of specialized therapies and recovery-focused activities Have immediate access to medical and clinical staff

In outpatient Robaxin rehab, clients: Live at home or in a sober living home while attending outpatient group sessions Complete homework assignments independently outside of group rehab Maintain personal responsibilities such as a job, school, and/or family responsibilities while attending treatment Have limited access to medical and clinical staff

Depending on your treatment needs, residential or outpatient Robaxin rehab may be a better fit. Fortunately, you don’t have to make this determination on your own. A member of the admissions team at the rehab center of your choice can help you determine which type of Robaxin treatment program best suits your needs. He or she may also provide more information about payment options for Robaxin rehab. Most often, your payment options for drug rehab will include:

• Health insurance benefits
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Financed healthcare loans
• Medical credit cards
• Crowdfunding
• HSA funds

Continued Care Options for Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Addiction Treatment

Even after you’ve completed a Robaxin rehab program, you may choose to continue your recovery work with a continuing care program like sober living or aftercare. These types of programs are geared towards people who are new to recovery and who need additional support to sustain a sober lifestyle.

Robaxin addiction, or any other drug addiction, cannot be overcome in a matter of days or even weeks. Recovery is a life-long process but long-term treatment can help make the transition into a new lifestyle easier.

Sober Living Programs

Sober living homes offer safe, sober, and comfortable living environments for men and women in all stages of recovery. A sober living home can be an apartment or a residential home, but the rooming options will vary greatly depending on the facility. Some homes offer private rooms, some offer shared rooms, and others offer both. Some sober living programs are also pet-friendly, so residents can bring their furry friends to live along with them.

Sober living programs are designed to bridge the gap between residential treatment and independent living by providing recovery support services like:

• Regular drug and alcohol testing
• Tiered recovery programming
• Individual monitoring/one-on-one support
• Employment assistance
• Educational planning
• Volunteer placement

The cost of a sober living home will vary depending on several different factors, such as:

• The location of the home
• The amenities provided
• The available room options
• The recovery support services offered

Regardless of the program’s cost, most sober living residents pay a monthly fee, similar to rent.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare is another recovery support program that is designed to help individuals who have recently completed rehab or who are facing a difficult or transitional stage in life that may compromise their recovery.

Aftercare is comprised of a series of outpatient meetings that provide a safe and accepting place for individuals to talk about the struggles of life in recovery, share personal advice and wisdom, and receive support from sober peers and mentors.

If you or a loved one is abusing Robaxin recreationally and you need help quitting, call Nova Recovery Center today. We can help you overcome your substance abuse and start over with a new, sober life. Find out more about your Robaxin treatment program options today.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-methocarbamol-a-narcotic#dosage
2. https://www.drugs.com/methocarbamol.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2703967

Nova Recovery Center offers a large range of substance abuse treatment services: detox, residential, outpatient and sober living.

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