Methocarbamol is a widely used muscle relaxant that has been branded as “Robaxin”. The medical benefits of this tranquilizer are proven to cure muscle spasms caused by any injury, musculoskeletal ailments, tetanus, and related maladies.

Moreover, Methocarbamol is a well-accepted healing choice for patients who suffer from severe lower back discomfort, cerebral palsy, paralysis, and even multiple sclerosis. Besides its medicinal benefits, quite a few consumers of Methocarbamol have linked the usage of this medicine with weight gain. Is it really true?

The muscle relaxant Methocarbamol relieves you from fatigue and other body pains at the end of the day, but at what cost? Sold under the brand name Robaxin, does it contribute to your weight gain or loss? Carry on reading to learn more about its side effects and decide whether it is suitable for you or not.

Does Methocarbamol cause weight gain?

If you are a weight-conscious person, the question of whether methocarbamol causes weight gain might arise in your mind. Long-term use of muscle relaxants results in excess weight due to metabolic disorders making it necessary to use them under professional healthcare supervision. If the side effects become too noticeable, it is advisable to withdraw their usage.

To prevent weight gain caused by Robaxin, it is wise to follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Your healthcare specialist must be aware of all the other supplements you are using.

Birth Control and Methocarbamol – who is the real culprit?

Other than the likelihood to gain weight, Methocarbamol can cause harm to an undeveloped fetus, so birth control methods are used. In case of pregnancy, it is better to intake the recommended dosage of 6 grams for 48 to 72 hours or according to your doctor’s prescription. Hormonal birth control can cause an increase in weight. Contraceptives may be the reason for weight gain, more specifically bloating or change in body composition.

Does Methocarbamol cause weight loss?

Methocarbamol is also known to cause weight loss among people. According to reports submitted each year, the ratio between methocarbamol and weight loss is the highest in people aged 50 and above, majorly females. Long periods of using Robaxin, for 6-12 months, can result in apparent weight loss. People have experienced a loss of appetite and anorexia, leading to loss of weight.

Along with the medically proven benefits and practically established worth of Methocarbamol (Robaxin), certain side effects work besides its curing efficiency. If any patient does not follow the doctor and exceeds the prescribed dosage, in that case, they are prone to put on some extra weight temporarily.

The medicinal merits of Methocarbamol have verified phenomena in the field of Medical Sciences. However, excess of everything is bad. Careless intake of Methocarbamol definitely comes up with serious consequences. In this regard, blurred vision, nausea, fever, itchiness, mood swings, upset stomach, skin rash, headache, drowsiness, and discolored urine are all those side effects that Methocarbamol causes. In this list of these side effects, “weight gain” is also a notable addition.

Though, some researchers in this regard have expressed this “Weight Gain” mantra as a myth.

According to a study, it has been observed that most females have complained about weight gain who are between the age of 50 to 59 and have been taking Robaxin for 2 to 5 years. However, it has been noted as common practice that patients who consume Methocarbamol regularly tend to become more inactive and idle. The patient is already unable to move around freely due to pain, and secondly, the consumption of Robaxin makes them more sedentary.

In other words, the patients who take Methocarbamol and do not actively monitor their calorie intake and stick to their favorite diet plan with the same old routine; finally gain weight. In this scenario, the patient becomes more prone to put on extra inches as expected. In the end, Methocarbamol is blamed for this weight gain. Because the reality of weight gain strictly turns down the dictum of energy-in-energy-out. It is founded on the kind of calorie intake the patient loads their routine diet with.

Effective Uses of Methocarbamol

Methocarbamol is used for relaxing the muscle and reducing spasms by blocking the pain sensation sent to the brain. It is a combination of 2 drugs: methocarbamol and ibuprofen. It is sold under the brand named Robaxin. This combination drug relieves pain caused by muscle spasms such as strains and sprains, back pain, and tight muscle inflammation. It has an anesthetic and tranquilizing result.

Methacarbonal is taken for muscle relaxation that makes them passive, which eventually reduces their eagerness for physical activity. So not doing extra activity makes one gain fats. It could increase the weight of a person. However, Methocarbomal does not increase weight, and using it in the long term can result in metabolic alignment. Methocarbamol eliminates muscle unbalancing, reducing muscle tension and spinal’s reflex as well as limiting muscle tensions.

Using it frequently raises the need for body massage, manual as well as physical therapies.

There is a lack of studies regarding the effect on pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. So far, the risk to the baby is less but still should consult a doctor to assess the possible danger. The other side effects of these drugs are difficulty in urine, breathing, skin redness, itching, coughing, fever, and hoarseness. These are though less likely to be observed but could be in some instances.

These medicines relax strained muscles and make them recover and relaxed. However, it is impossible to increase exercise just because the symptoms are relieved for a while, as this will quickly lead to muscle damage. They should be made fully relaxed with the usual physical therapies.

It could be taken with the meal but should not be used with alcohol.

Medicines that interact with methocarbamol may decrease, prolong, or eliminate its effects. An interaction between two medications may not require discontinuing one of them. But there would need to see your doctor for it. Some of them include lorazepam, phenytoin, amitriptyline, diphenhydramine, and duloxetine which can interact with it.

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FAQs:

Does Methocarbamol cause weight gain?

No, it does not. It may increase weight but temporarily if the patient overdoses.

Why is Methocarbamol blamed for gaining weight?

It is a fact when patients who want to kill their muscle pain start consuming antidepressants, their craving for food often comes rigorously back. Consequently, the insane intake of diet makes them over-weight and, in some cases, obese.

What is the recommended dosage of Methocarbamol?

As per medical experts, the suggested dosage of Robaxin is only 6 grams a day for the initial 3 days.

Can Methocarbamol be used during pregnancy?

Yes, it can be used if prescribed.

What does Methocarbamol do to your body?

Methocarbamol is used to prevent muscle pains/spasms. Along with physical therapy, such as resting, it gives instant relief. It relaxes the muscles and provides pain relief in over 30 minutes.

Is Methocarbamol good for anxiety?

Methocarbamol helps relax the muscles, but it can also cause drowsiness and decrease the ability to be completely functional. It is used in the short term to cure anxiety and panic attacks.

Who should not take Methocarbamol?

You should not take Methocarbamol if you are allergic to it. It is necessary to discuss your medical history with your doctor or a healthcare professional to determine any possible allergic reaction to this medicine. Tell him if you ever had kidney disease symptoms, seizure, or myasthenia gravis It is preferable if you prevent the use of Methocarbamol during pregnancy.

How long does Robaxin stay in your system?

The age and health of a patient are huge factors. Usually, the drug stays in the urine for four to five hours after the intake of any other substance. For most individuals, only a minute amount of the drug, particularly 2%, will remain in the blood 24 hours after the intake.

How should this medication be used?

According to the prescription, adults and children over 12 years old should take 1 or 2 caplets every 4 or 6 hours.

Does Robaxin make you gain weight?

Many people are of observation that Robaxin can cause weight. However, Robaxin use relaxes the body, making one lessens their physical activity and gain weight.

In which cases is this medication not recommended?

Methocarbamol should not be used in the following circumstances:

• poor liver function
• allergic to ibuprofen
• asthma
• heart surgery

What are the reported consequences of this medicine?

Some of the reported side effects are:

• heartburn or indigestion
• constipation
• diarrhea

Conclusion

Methocarbamol is a central muscle relaxant that has a selective effect on the central nervous system, especially on neurons in the spinal cord. It should not be used if you are allergic to it. Robaxin can pass into breast milk and can harm the nursing baby. It has some sedentary symptoms, makes one sleepy, and has side effects that may impair reactions and thinking.

It is necessary to be conscious and educated about the drug you are taking. Inappropriate usage of Methocarbamol can result in mishaps like seizures, fainting, or death. This muscle relaxant may be a source of both physical and mental relief but be sure to take it under proper medical supervision for a better outcome.

The main purpose of using Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is to eliminate the pain and relax the muscle, but as I’ve mentioned, it affects the central nervous system. The administration of Methocarbamol has no direct link with weight gain. The supplementary after-effects of this medicine trigger certain factors that become the cause of significant weight gain.

After taking Methocarbamol, the overall physical inactivity, augmented appetite, and relaxed condition of muscles complement and finally accelerate unwanted weight gain.

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