Carisoprodol (Soma) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is carisoprodol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

• Carisoprodol is an oral muscle relaxant. Its
  exact mechanism of action is unknown. It may work by altering communication
  among nerves in parts of the brain that control the sensation of
  pain and in the
  spinal cord.
• The FDA approved carisoprodol in April 1959.

What are the uses for carisoprodol?

Carisoprodol is used together with rest and physical
therapy for the short-term relief of acute painful muscle and skeletal
conditions in adults. It is only used for 2 to 3 weeks.

What brand names are available for carisoprodol?

Soma

Is carisoprodol available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for carisoprodol?

Yes

What are the side effects of carisoprodol?

The most common side effects of carisoprodol are:

• Headache

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Agitation
• Nervousness
• Tremor
• Irritability
• Inability to sleep

• Fainting

• Abnormal heart beat

• Seizures

• Depression

Serious side effects of carisoprodol include:

• Hives (angioedema)
• Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Seizures
• Abuse
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure

Carisoprodol is not a controlled substance. Patients
may become dependent on carisoprodol, and discontinuation after long-term use may
cause withdrawal symptoms.

What is the dosage for carisoprodol?

• The recommended dose of carisoprodol is 250 or 350 mg three
  times daily and at bedtime.
• The recommended treatment duration is 2 to 3 weeks.
• To avoid withdrawal symptoms, carisoprodol should be stopped gradually if it has been used for a long duration.

Medically speaking, the term “myalgia” refers to what type of pain?
See Answer

Which drugs or supplements interact with carisoprodol?

• Carisoprodol interacts with other medications and
  drugs that slow the brain's processes, such as alcohol,
  barbiturates,
  benzodiazepines (for example,
  lorazepam [Ativan]), and narcotics, accentuating
  their effects and causing drowsiness.
• Omeprazole (Prilosec) and
  fluvoxamine (Luvox) may reduce the elimination of
  carisoprodol, leading to increased side effects.
• St. John’s Wort and rifampin (Rifadin) increase the elimination of
  carisoprodol, possibly resulting in a reduced effect.

Is carisoprodol safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

• There are no adequate studies of carisoprodol in
  pregnant
  women.
• Carisoprodol accumulates in breast milk in
  concentrations twice those of the mother's blood. The effects of carisoprodol on
  the infants of lactating mothers are unknown. Therefore, caution should be used
  when using carisoprodol in women who are
  breastfeeding.

What else should I know about carisoprodol?

What preparations of carisoprodol are available?

Tablets: 250 and 350 mg.

How should I keep carisoprodol stored?

Tablets should be stored between 15-30 C (59-86 F).