{"id":631349,"date":"2025-02-11T15:47:20","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T20:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631349"},"modified":"2025-02-11T15:47:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T20:47:20","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-for-methocarbamol-to-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-for-methocarbamol-to-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does it take for methocarbamol to work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Methocarbamol<\/span><\/a> is a generic drug that is used to treat muscle spasms, pain, and discomfort caused by short-term musculoskeletal conditions. Healthcare providers generally prescribe methocarbamol to be used along with physical therapy, rest, and other treatments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Methocarbamol has sedative effects and is only meant to be taken for short-term relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

After taking an oral dose, you may feel its effects within about half an hour, although it may take up to two hours to work, depending on various factors. Read on to learn more about what you can expect when taking methocarbamol and when to expect relief from muscle pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

How methocarbamol works<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s <\/span>not known<\/span><\/a> exactly how this medicine works. It is believed that methocarbamol relaxes the muscles in the body by depressing the central nervous system (CNS).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMethocarbamol doesn\u2019t directly affect the muscles through nerve transmission,\u201d says <\/span>Talisa M. Marchese<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., a board-certified psychiatric pharmacist and clinical associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at D\u2019Youville University in Buffalo, New York. \u201cBut it has a depressant effect on the central nervous system, which reduces muscle spasms. This skeletal muscle relaxation reduces the pain caused by the muscle spasm.\u201d While methocarbamol is not a pain medication per se, it decreases a person\u2019s perception of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does it take methocarbamol to work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It could take about 30 minutes for methocarbamol to start working, reaching its peak effect within one to two hours after taking it, according to Marchese. <\/span>Jerome Enad<\/span><\/a>, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Pensacola, Florida, adds that the entire effect should last three to four hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, various factors affect how quickly methocarbamol works for someone. It all depends on your drug metabolism rate, which can vary. A person\u2019s drug metabolism depends on factors such as genetics and age, as well as any coexisting conditions such as chronic liver disorders. It is also affected by interactions with other drugs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because methocarbamol is metabolized relatively quickly and is fairly short-acting, healthcare providers typically recommend taking it three to four times a day, according to Marchese. \u201cSome people take it only as needed, and they may only take it at a certain time of day when they experience symptoms,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd if a person does not want to be drowsy during the day, they may opt to only take it at night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What to consider before taking methocarbamol<\/span><\/h2>\n

Methocarbamol is not classified as a controlled substance like some other muscle relaxants, but there are still important things to consider before taking it. \u201cAny of the muscle relaxants can cause sedation, and patients should be aware of this as a side effect with methocarbamol,\u201d Dr. Enad says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before driving while taking methocarbamol, become familiar with how this drug affects you. And if you do become drowsy while taking it, don\u2019t drive until four to six hours have passed since your last dose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that taking other drugs with methocarbamol that cause sedation may increase the risk of sleepiness and unsteadiness. This includes over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you forget to take methocarbamol, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Methocarbamol side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

This drug has a depressant effect on the CNS. There are significant <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> that may include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and risk of accidental injury (e.g., falls, especially in older adults). Other <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> may include an upset stomach, blurred vision, a fever, or <\/span>discoloration of urine<\/span><\/a>. Take methocarbamol with food to avoid stomach upset, and avoid alcohol and other sedatives while taking it.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you experience a rash or itching while taking methocarbamol, call your healthcare provider immediately, Dr. Enad advises. This could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction to methocarbamol include:<\/span><\/p>\n