Robaxin vs. Baclofen

Robaxin (methocarbamol) and baclofen are muscle relaxants used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.

Baclofen is also used for treating spasm of skeletal muscles, muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Baclofen is also injected into the spinal cord to treat severe spasticity, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord diseases.

Brand names for baclofen include Lioresal and Gablofen.

Side effects of Robaxin and baclofen that are similar include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects of Robaxin that are different from baclofen include stomach upset, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), memory problems, loss of balance or coordination, blurred vision, double vision, eye redness, lightheadedness, spinning sensation, stuffy nose, itching, or rash, especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to this medication.

Side effects of baclofen that are different from Robaxin include weakness, tiredness, seizures, low blood pressure, respiratory depression, and increased urinary frequency or urinary retention.

Both Robaxin and baclofen may interact with alcohol and other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (sleeping pills, narcotics, prescription cough medicines, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures).

Robaxin may also interact with pyridostigmine, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, or tacrine.

Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen may cause withdrawal symptoms including seizures and hallucinations, high fever, rebound spasticity, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown and wasting).

Common side effects of Robaxin include:

• stomach upset,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling),
• constipation,
• headache,
• confusion,
• memory problems,
• loss of balance or coordination,
• blurred vision,
• double vision,
• eye redness,
• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• drowsiness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• stuffy nose,
• itching, or
• rash, especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to this medication.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Robaxin including:

• fever,
• chills,
• flu symptoms,
• slow heart rate,
• feeling like you might pass out,
• seizures (convulsions), or
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Baclofen include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Forgetfulness or amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite
• Skin rash

Robaxin (methocarbamol) is a muscle relaxant used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.

Baclofen is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms.

Patients should be cautioned that Robaxin may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may impair their ability to operate motor vehicles or machinery.

Because Robaxin may possess a general CNS-depressant effect, patients should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Baclofen may interact with alcohol and other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (sleeping pills, narcotics, prescription cough medicines, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures).

The recommended starting dose of Robaxin is six grams a day for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment. Thereafter, the dosage can usually be reduced to approximately 4 grams a day. Robaxin may interact with pyridostigmine, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, or tacrine. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Robaxin should be used during pregnancy only when prescribed. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Baclofen can be taken with or without food. Baclofen tablets should be swallowed with water.