The Web Health

Soma

Generic name: Carisoprodol [ kar-eye-soe-PROE-dole ]

Brand names: Soma, Vanadom

Drug Class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

What is Soma?

Soma is a relaxer of muscles that blocks pain sensations between neurons and the brain.

Soma can be used with physical therapy and rest to treat muscular-skeletal conditions like pain or injuries.

Soma should be used only for short durations (up to 2 or 3 weeks) since there is no evidence of its efficacy in long-term use. Furthermore, most injuries to muscles in the skeletal system are typically shorter in duration.

Warnings

It is not recommended to use Soma if you suffer from porphyria (a genetic disorder of the enzyme that can cause symptoms in the nervous system and skin) or if you are sensitive to meprobamate or carisoprodol.

Carisoprodol can cause a habit. Don't share this medicine with anyone else. Misusing a habit-forming medication can lead to addiction, overdose, or death.

Carisoprodol may cause adverse effects that can affect your reactions or thinking. Be aware of this if you drive or engage in any activity that requires you to be alert and aware. Beware of drinking alcohol. It may cause increased drowsiness and dizziness caused by this drug.

You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Soma after many years. Don't stop taking the medication without first speaking with your doctor. You may need to take less and less of the medication before you can stop completely.

Before you Take this Drug

You shouldn't take Soma If you have an allergy to carisoprodol and meprobamate or are:

  • Porphyria (a genetic disorder of enzymes that can cause symptoms in the nervous system, skin, or).

Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from the following:

  • Liver disease;
  • Kidney disease or
  • A seizure.

It isn't known if this medication could affect a newborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting.

Carisoprodol is a drug that can be found in breast milk and could cause drowsiness in breastfeeding babies. Tell your doctor when you breastfeed.

Soma is not a drug that is approved to be used by anyone younger than 16 years of age.

Senior adults could have a greater sensitivity to the effects of this medication.

How to Take Soma?

You should take Soma precisely as prescribed to you. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and go through all the medication guides or instructions.

Carisoprodol can be a habit-forming drug. Misusing the drug can lead to dependence, overdose, or even death. Selling or giving away this medication is against the law.

Soma is generally taken three times a day and is taken at night. Follow the dosing guidelines of your physician exceptionally carefully.

Soma is recommended to be taken every two or three months. Call your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or become worse.

Don't stop taking carisoprodol abruptly after long-term usage, or you could experience painful withdrawal signs. Discuss with your doctor the best way to safely stop taking this drug.

Soma is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that could also include physical therapy, rest, and other methods to ease the pain. Follow the directions of your doctor.

Keep at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.

Make sure you keep track of your medication. Carisoprodol can be an abused substance, and you must be aware of anyone taking it with no prescription.

Details on Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm:

250-350 mg orally three times per day and at night

The duration of treatment: Up to 2 or 3 weeks

Comments:

This drug should only be used for short durations (up to two or three weeks) since there is no evidence of its efficacy for long-term use. Also, acute pain-producing musculoskeletal problems are typically only of short duration.

Use: To alleviate pain that comes with chronic, painful musculoskeletal disorders.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.

What Happens If I Overdose?

You should seek medical attention in an emergency or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A carisoprodol overdose could be fatal, mainly if you use carisoprodol in conjunction with alcohol or other substances, which can cause breathing problems.

The symptoms of an overdose can include confusion, vision problems, hallucinations, stiffness of the muscles, loss of coordination, shallow or weak breath, fainting, seizures, or coma.

Avoid this

Don't drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects can be experienced.

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand what the effects of this medicine are on you. Dizziness or drowsiness may result in falls, accidents, or even severe injuries.

Side Effects of Soma

See a doctor immediately If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction. Soma: hives and breathing problems or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately If you are suffering from the following:

  • A seizure (convulsions)
  • Serotonin levels are high in the body and can cause hallucinations, agitation, sweating, shivering, rapid heart rate, stiffness in the muscles and twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Common Soma side effects can include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness

This isn't an exhaustive list of all side effects. Other effects may also be present. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction With Other Drugs

It is sometimes not safe to take certain medicines simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels and the other drugs that you take, which can cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.

Soma, along with other medications that cause you to sleep or slow your breathing, could result in dangerous adverse side effects or even the death of a person. Ask your doctor before taking opioids, such as a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication to treat anxiousness or seizures.

Numerous drugs are a cause of interaction with carisoprodol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. There are not all interactions mentioned here. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking and any new medication you are about to start or stop taking.