Methocarbamol for Menstrual Cramps

Methocarbamol is used for the treatment of muscle pain and injuries. It is used to deal with pain for a short period of time. Robaxin is the brand name of Methocarbamol. It helps deal with various types of pain, such as back pain and tooth pain.

Can Methocarbamol be used for Menstrual Cramps?

Methocarbamol is used against various pain. It is observed that Methocarbamol can be used as an off-label treatment for menstrual cramps as it is not mainly used for it.

Magnesium plays an important role in dealing with menstrual cramps. Medications used for menstrual cramps have magnesium as their ingredient, and it is observed effective. Similarly, Methocarbamol also has magnesium as one of its ingredients and can be used to relieve menstrual cramps or period pain.

After getting medical advice, one can take Methocarbamol for menstrual pain only because it is an off-label treatment and not prescribed primarily for menstrual cramps (Guerrera, M.P., Volpe, S.L. and Mao, J.J., 2009).

How Does  Methocarbamol Work?

Methocarbamol works by affecting nerve impulses. These nerve impulses travel to the brain to inform about the pain. But because of Methocarbamol, these nerve signals get blocked from reaching the brain.

This results in the relaxing of muscles and slows down the central nervous system’s activity, and relieves pain (Sibrack, J. and Hammer, R., 2020).

Forms and strengths

Methocarbamol is available as tablets and oral solutions to be taken orally. It is also in injectable solutions that can be taken intramuscularly or intravenously.

Methocarbamol tablets are available in 500 mg and 700 mg strengths, while injectable solution strength is 100 mg/ml.

How to take it?

Methocarbamol can be consumed before or after eating food. The tablet form should be taken as a whole without crushing or breaking it. The injection should be appropriately taken intravenously or intramuscularly.

The medicine should be taken only as directed by the doctor, but you can also purchase Robaxin online  from certified online pharmacy. The dosage can be increased or decreased depending on the treatment response (Sibrack, J. and Hammer, R., 2020).

Dosage

Tablet dosage for adults:

• 1500 mg is the initial dose which has to be taken 4 times a day. This dosage has to be followed for 3 to 4 days.
• 1000 mg per day is the maintenance dose, taken 4 times daily.

Injection dosage for adults:

• The initial dose is 1 g taken intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 hours.
• The maximum injection limit should not be more than 3 g per day.
• Injections should not be used for more than 3 days.

Who should not take it?

One should not take Methocarbamol if:

• Below the age of 16
• Liver and kidney disorders
• Allergic to Methocarbamol
• Seizures
• Suffering from Myasthenia Gravis
• Breastfeeding women

Taking Methocarbamol can lead to adverse effects if you face any of these problems. Get medical help before taking it.

Side Effects

Following are some severe side effects which are associated with Methocarbamol:

• Blood clots
• Skin rashes
• Seizures
• Change in the heartbeat pattern
• Breathing problems
• Swelling

It is advised to take emergency medical help on observing such side effects to prevent further risks.

Warnings

Please inform your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:

• Pain relief medicines
• Sleeping pills
• Medications for depression-like Valium and Zoloft.
• OTC medicines
• Herbal medicines

These medicines may interact with Methocarbamol and cause trouble with side effects.

Conclusion

Methocarbamol is an effective muscle relaxer and is widely used for muscle pain and spasms. It can be used for menstrual cramps as an off-label treatment. Please consult your doctor before taking Methocarbamol for menstrual cramps to know whether it is safe or not for you to take.