Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

<p>From: Reviving the Broken Marionette: Treatments for CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia

Methocarbamol is a central muscle relaxant mainly used to treat spasms. Structurally it is closely related to guaifenesin, which is also one of its metabolites. Methocarbamol has some analgesic and anxiolytic action. It is sometimes used to treat fibromyalgia. It has a very short half–life of only a little over an hour and is usually taken four times a day.

Methocarbamol can cause lethargy, sedation, muscle weakness and ataxia (impaired coordination). Allergic reactions are possible. Some patients report increased urinary frequency; others note that methocarbamol is the only muscle relaxant that does not make them sleepy.

Methocarbamol is available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and a few other countries, but not in Australia. It is often combined with painkillers in products such as Robaxisal, which contains methocarbamol and aspirin, and Robaxet, with methocarbamol and acetaminophen. It is fairly inexpensive.</p>