About Soma
Soma is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain
of muscle injuries, spasms, sprains, and strains. Soma is recommended
as a supplement to physical therapy, rest, or other treatments your
doctor may recommend, and it will not replace these treatments.
Do not overuse injured muscles while under the effects of Soma,
as this may result in further injury and a prolonged recovery time.
Soma is only available by prescription. Do not take this
drug in larger doses, or for a longer period of time, than
suggested by your doctor.
Soma Side Effects
Mild Soma Side Effects: Blurred or double vision,
clumsiness, dizziness, drowsiness, faintness, or lightheadedness
are the most common side effects, but are not usually a cause
for concern. Less common, though not generally dangerous,
side effects include abdominal cramps, confusion, excitement
or restlessness, flushing, headache, heartburn, insomnia,
irritability, irritable bowel, weakness.
Serious Soma Side Effects: Bloody urine,
bloody or black stools, chills, cough, depression, difficult
urination, difficulty breathing, eyes that are red, bloodshot,
or stinging, fainting, fast breathing, fever, hives, itching,
paradoxical muscle cramping, racing heartbeat or tightness
in the chest, rash, sore throat, sores in mouth, stuffy nose,
swelling around eyes, swollen or tender glands, unusual fatigue,
unusual weakness, vomiting bloody or black material, yellow
eyes or skin. These side effects range from uncommon to rare,
but should you experience any of them while taking Soma, contact
your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.
Cautions: Inform your doctor of any history, or current
presence of the following conditions. Dosing adjustments or alternate
treatments may be necessary. Soma may not be right for everyone.
- Allergies: If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Soma
or another skeletal muscle relaxant, be sure to inform your doctor.
This medication may not be right for you.
- Blood disease caused by reaction to a medication: This condition
may be worsened.
- Epilepsy: Related drugs have been known to cause convulsions.
Though the risk of Soma causing a convulsion is extremely small,
there is the potential that drugs of the same class can cause
similar reactions.
- History of drug abuse or dependence: While Soma may produce
mild physical withdrawal symptoms, it is not generally a drug
of abuse. Addiction prone individuals should still be cautious
with this treatment and discuss the issue with their doctors.
- Kidney or liver disease: Your doctor will determine if this
medication is safe for you depending on your condition, but will
likely suggest less frequent dosing if prescribed.
- Porphyria: This is not a safe medication for porphyria, you
will need to use another treatment.
Soma Interactions
As a central nervous system depressant, Soma (carisoprodol) should
be combined carefully, if at all, with any product which causes
drowsiness. If you are taking any other medication, particularly
those listed below, speak to your doctor about potential interactions.
- Alcohol - Do not take alcohol while you are using carisoprodol.
There is an increased risk of side effects like drowsiness, unconsciousness,
or overdose.
- Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents,
and muscle relaxants) such as Ativan
(lorazepam), Valium (diazepam),
Halcion (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Librium(chlordiazepoxide),
Xanax (alprazolam),
Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam), ProSom (estazolam),
Klonopin (clonazepam),
and others, should be used cautiously with carisoprodol.
- Central Nervous System Depressants - Any prescription medication,
over the counter medication, or herbal supplement that may cause
drowsiness. These medications should be used with caution while
taking carisoprodol as you may become oversedated. Consult your
doctor or pharmacist to be sure that your treatment is as safe
as possible.
- Desyrel (trazodone) - Risk of additive
CNS depression.
- Narcotic pain medication like Codeine, Demerol
(meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene),
Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine,
OxyContin (oxycodone),
Percocet (oxycodone and
acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine),
or Vicodin (hydrocodone and
acetaminophen), Vicoprofen
(hydrocodone and ibuprofen) may increase the central nervous
system depressant effects of carisoprodol.
- Norflex (orphenadrine) - Risk of oversedation.
- Sedatives like Butalbital, Fioricet
(butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal,
Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates may cause oversedation
in combination with carisoprodol.
- Skeletal muscle relaxants of any other type, such as Skelaxin
(metaxalone), Robaxin
(methocarbamol), or Flexeril
(cyclobenzaprine) may overly depress the central nervous system
when combined.
- Sleep medication like Ambien
(zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon),
or over the counter sleeping pills may cause oversedation when
combined with muscle relaxants.
- Tranquilizers like Haldol (haloperidol), Mellaril (thioridazine),
or Thorazine (chlorpromazine) could cause oversedation when mixed
with carisoprodol.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil
(amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine),
Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan
(doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline),
Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine), may increase
the central nervous system suppressant effects from either the
antidepressant, or the carisoprodol.
- Ultram (tramadol) - This
pain reliever may oversedate you if taken in combination with
carisoprodol.
Soma Dosages
Soma is available in 350 mg tablets. The standard maximum guideline
for use is one tablet 3 times a day and at bedtime, or as needed.
Dosage should not generally exceed this guideline, and you shauld
not take double doses of Soma. If your doctor has suggested a different
dosing schedule, follow the individual instructions you have been
given.
Soma is effective for four to six hours, and the tablets should
generally not be taken closer together than this.
Soma Directions
Store Soma away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location;
avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where
it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Soma away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding
any unused medication.
Soma may cause drowsiness or disorientation, and you should familiarize
yourself with your reaction to it before engaging in potentially
hazardous activities. Be cautious if you plan to drive or operate
heavy machinery, avoid these activities if you find yourself feeling
tired or experience slowed reactions.
Soma and Pregnancy
Soma has not been tested for safety in pregnant women. Soma also
appears in breast milk in higher concentrations than it appears
in the mother's blood. For these reasons, this medication is rarely
prescribed to pregnant women, and is not generally recommended for
nursing mothers, unless any risk to the child is clearly outweighed
by the benefits of the medication.
Soma and Children
Soma has not been tested for safety in children under 12.
Soma and Seniors
Soma has not been tested in older adults, and there is no information indicating that it works differently in seniors. However, as with other central nervous system depressants, seniors should be careful that they do not become oversedated or lose their balance while taking Soma. Be sure to work out a medication schedule with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure that drug interactions and overlapping side effects are minimized.
Soma is a trademark of Wallace
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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