What is Soma?
Soma (carisoprodol) is a muscle relaxant that prevents pain sensations from reaching the brain via the nerves. Soma is also available as generic drug carisoprodol.
Soma is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury together with rest and physical therapy. You can buy Soma online or from a local pharmacy store.
Important Information
- Do not take Soma if you have porphyria or are allergic to carisoprodol or meprobamate.
- Carisoprodol may be habit-forming. Never give this medication to anyone else. Misuse of habit-forming drugs can result in addiction, overdose, or death.
- If you have been taking Soma (carisoprodol) every day for more than three weeks, do not stop without first talking with your doctor. To avoid withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, vomiting, and tremors, your provider will work with you to safely reduce your dose.
- Carisoprodol has the potential to cause side effects that impair your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you are driving or doing anything else that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. It may worsen the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medication.
- When you stop using Soma after long periods of time, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Do not suddenly stop taking Soma without talking to your doctor first. Before you stop the medication completely, you may need to use less and less.
What to know before taking Soma?
Before taking Soma, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to meprobamate, tybamate, or mebutamate; or if you have:
- Porphyria (a disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system)
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease
- A seizure
- Liver disease
You should inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you use (such as herbal products, prescription drugs, and nonprescription drugs) before having surgery.
Whether this medicine is going to harm an unborn child is not known. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor.
Carisoprodol can enter the breast milk and may cause drowsiness in a nursing baby. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor.
Nobody younger than 16 years of age is approved to use Soma.
Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
How to take Soma?
- Take Soma as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all of the instructions on your prescription label, and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. You can order Soma online with a prescription.
- The dosage depends upon your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. You should use this medication for a short period of time (three weeks or less) unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Carisoprodol has the potential to be addictive. Misuse may lead to addiction, overdose, or death. It is illegal to sell or distribute Soma.
- Soma is typically taken three times per day and at bedtime. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly.
- Soma should be taken for no more than two or three weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your doctor.
- If you suddenly stop taking carisoprodol after a long period of use, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is more likely if you have taken carisoprodol for an extended period or in high doses. If you have withdrawal symptoms, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Inquire with your doctor about how to discontinue this medication safely.
- Soma is a part of a complete program of treatment that can also include rest, physical therapy, or other pain relief measures. Follow the instructions of your doctor.
- Store Soma away from moisture and heat at room temperature.
- Keep a record of your medications. Carisoprodol is a commonly abused drug, and you should be aware if anyone is abusing it or using it without a prescription.
Soma dosage
Soma is available in the following strengths:
250 mg tablets: These are round, convex, white tablets inscribed with
SOMA 250.
350 mg tablets: These are round, convex, white tablets inscribed with
Adult Dose for Muscle Spasms:
Take 250 mg to 350 mg orally three times per day and at bedtime.
Therapy can last up to 2 to 3 weeks.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 16 years)
Carisoprodol has not been studied in children younger than the age of 17.
Overdose
A carisoprodol overdose can be fatal, especially if combined with alcohol or other drugs that slow your breathing.
Vision problems, confusion, hallucinations, muscle stiffness, loss of coordination, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, seizure, or coma are all possible overdose symptoms.
What to avoid while using Soma?
- Consume no alcoholic beverages with Soma. Dangerous side effects are possible.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to carisoprodol or a drug called meprobamate, do not take it again. It is possible that taking this medicine again will be dangerous and even fatal.
- Carisoprodol has the potential to cause side effects that impair your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you are driving or doing anything else that requires you to be awake and alert.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. It may worsen the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medication. Avoid driving or engaging in risky activities until you know how this medication will affect you. Dizziness and drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents, and serious injuries.
Soma side effects
Common Soma side effects may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
Stop using carisoprodol and contact your doctor at once if you have:
- A seizure (convulsions)
- High levels of serotonin in the body – agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
What drugs can interact with Soma?
It is not safe to take multiple medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, potentially increasing side effects or making the medications less effective.
When Soma is combined with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing, it may result in dangerous side effects or death. Before taking an opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.
Carisoprodol can interact with a variety of medications. Prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products are all included.
Taking carisoprodol with some medications raises your risk of side effects
From these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:
- Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or flurazepam
- Opioids, such as oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, or codeine
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline, amitriptyline, doxepin, or imipramine
- Meprobamate