What is the most important information I should know about Robaxin?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Robaxin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Robaxin.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, a fever, or nasal congestion during treatment with Robaxin.
What is Robaxin?
- Robaxin is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
- Robaxin is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.
- Robaxin is also used in the treatment of tetanus.
- Robaxin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take Robaxin?
- Before taking Robaxin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a seizure disorder. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.
- It is not known whether Robaxin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Robaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is also not known whether Robaxin passes into breast milk. Do not take Robaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Robaxin is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.
How should I take Robaxin?
- Take Robaxin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Robaxin is usually taken three or four times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Store Robaxin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a Robaxin overdose include drowsiness, confusion, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking Robaxin?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Robaxin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Robaxin.
What are the possible side effects of Robaxin?
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Robaxin and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- a rash or itching;
- a fever; or
- nasal congestion.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Robaxin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting;
- headache or blurred vision;
- nausea or a metallic taste in your mouth; or
- brown, black, or green urine (this is not harmful).
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Robaxin?
- Many drugs can increase the effects of Robaxin, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others;
- narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
- sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal);
- phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or
- antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Robaxin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
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