Methocarbamol 750 mg Controlled Substance Status
No, methocarbamol 750 mg is NOT a controlled substance in the United States. Unlike carisoprodol (Soma), which is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its significant abuse and addiction potential, methocarbamol does not carry this designation 1.
Key Distinctions Among Muscle Relaxants
Non-Controlled Muscle Relaxants
- Methocarbamol remains unscheduled despite being a centrally acting muscle relaxant 2
- Research demonstrates that methocarbamol has minimal abuse potential, particularly when compared to benzodiazepines like lorazepam, and any potential for abuse is limited by dysphoric side effects at high doses 3
- Cyclobenzaprine and metaxalone are also not controlled substances 1
Controlled Muscle Relaxants
- Carisoprodol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the FDA due to escalating abuse patterns over the past decade and its status as one of the most commonly diverted drugs 1
- Carisoprodol's active metabolite is meprobamate, itself a Schedule IV controlled substance, which contributes to its abuse liability 4
Clinical Implications
Safety Profile
- While methocarbamol is not controlled, it still carries significant CNS depressant effects including drowsiness, dizziness, bradycardia, and hypotension 2
- The combination of methocarbamol with alcohol is contraindicated due to additive CNS depression that can be fatal 5
- Methocarbamol should be avoided in patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction due to significantly impaired elimination 6
Prescribing Considerations
- The lack of controlled substance status does not imply methocarbamol is without risk—all muscle relaxants increase fall risk in elderly patients and should be used cautiously 6
- Methocarbamol should be held on the day of surgery due to cardiovascular effects and potential interactions with anesthetic agents 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse methocarbamol with carisoprodol. Physicians may be unaware that carisoprodol is a controlled substance while methocarbamol is not, leading to inappropriate prescribing decisions 4. When selecting a muscle relaxant, consider that methocarbamol may be preferred over carisoprodol specifically because it lacks the abuse potential and controlled substance restrictions 1.