Drug Name

Soma (Carisoprodol)

Drug Uses

Soma is a muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain and stiffness of muscle spasms and discomfort due to strain and sprain.

How to use

The usual adult dosage of soma is one 350 mg tablet, three times daily and at bedtime. Usage in patients under age 12 is not recommended. It is recommended that you take Soma with food, or with milk, to minimize the likelihood that you will suffer an upset stomach as a result of taking the medication.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Soma is a muscle relaxant. It acts by blocking electrical communication among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord.

Missed Dose

If you miss a Soma dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not 'double-up' the Soma dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 15 - 30 degrees C (59 degrees F) in a tightly closed container.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Soma if you have acute intermittent porphyria. Before taking Soma, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.

Do not take Soma without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Soma passes into breast milk.

Do not take Soma without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Soma is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Possible Side Effects

Soma may cause dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, tremor, agitation, irritability, headache, depressive reactions, syncope, and insomnia.

Allergic or idiosyncratic reactions occasionally develop. They are usually seen within the period of the first to fourth dose in patients having had no previous contact with the drug.

Skin rash, erythema multiforme, pruritus, eosinophilia, and fixed drug eruption with cross reaction to meprobamate have been reported with Soma.

Severe reactions have been manifested by asthmatic episodes, fever, weakness, dizziness, angioneurotic edema, smarting eyes, hypotension, and anaphylactoid shock. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using carisoprodol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• paralysis (loss of feeling);
• extreme weakness or lack of coordination;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• fast heartbeat;
• seizure (convulsions);
• vision loss; or
• agitation, confusion.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, tremor;
• headache;
• depression, feeling irritable;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• nausea, vomiting, hiccups, upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

More Information

Soma alone can't heal your muscles. You need to follow the program of physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor prescribes. Do not attempt any more physical activity than your doctor recommends, even though Soma temporarily makes it seem feasible.