Drug Name

Soma (Carisoprodol)

Drug Uses

Soma (Carisoprodol) is a muscle relaxation is used to relieve the pain and stiffness of muscle spasm and discomfort due to strain and tension.

How to use

The usual dose for adults Soma is one 350 mg tablet three times daily and at bedtime. The use in patients under 12 years of age is not recommended. We recommend that you take Soma with food or 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 relaxation. It acts by blocking electrical connections between nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and spinal cord.

Missed Dose

If you miss the Soma dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you recall, until it is too late, skip the missed dose and resume usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up 'in the Soma dose to catch up.

Storage

Store Soma need in the package at room temperature - 15 - 30 degrees C (59 degrees F), beyond the reach of moisture and light.

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 treatment. 

Do not take Soma without talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. In addition, it is not known whether Soma passes into breast milk. 

Do not take Soma without talking to your doctor if breast-feeding a child. Soma is not approved for use by children under the age of 12.

Possible Side Effects

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

  Allergic reactions, or specific times to develop. They are seen, usually during the first to fourth dose in patients having had no previous connection with the drug. 

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

  Serious reactions have been manifested asthma episodes, fever, weakness, dizziness, edema angioneurotic, 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 face, lips, tongue or throat. Stop using carisoprodol and call your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects:

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

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

More Information

Soma alone can not heal your muscles. You must follow the program of physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor prescribes. Do not attempt more physical activity than your doctor recommends, even though Soma temporarily makes it seems possible.