Soma

1 What is Soma?

Brand: Soma, Vanadom

Generic: Carisoprodol

Soma (Carisoprodol) is used to relax certain muscles in your body.  Soma is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relax muscles. Doctors prescribe Soma to relieve the discomfort caused by acute (short-term), painful muscle or bone conditions. 

However, note that you still have to follow doctor's orders of having rest, exercise, physical therapy, or other treatments along with taking Soma.

This medicine is available only with  doctor's prescription. 

Note that Soma may be habit-forming drug, especially if used improperly. Soma should be kept in a secure place. 

2 What to Know Before Using

The doctor will consider the following before prescribing Soma to you.

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Soma or any other medicines. You cannot use Soma if you are allergic to it.

Health conditions

Tell the doctor all of your health problems before taking Soma. Make sure the doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Drug abuse or dependence, or history of—Use with caution. Dependence on Soma may develop.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Liver disease
  • Porphyria (an enzyme problem). You cannot take Soma if you have a history of porphyria.
  • Seizures

Use on children

Do not give Soma to children. The safety and effectiveness of Soma to patients younger than 16 years old is not known.

Use on elderly

Soma must be used with caution in elderly patients. The safety and effectiveness of Soma to patients older than 65 years old is not known.

Pregnancy

Soma is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it can cause birth defects to the fetus when given to pregnant patients. Always tell the doctor if you are pregnant before taking Soma.

Breastfeeding

Soma can be present in breastmilk and can cause harm to the child if you breastfeed. Call the doctor first before breastfeeding when you are taking Soma.

Use of alcohol

You cannot take alcohol if you are prescribed to take Soma. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects of Soma.

Drug Interactions

Soma may interact with certain drugs and cause unpleasant side effects. You can avoid this by telling the doctor all the medicines you take before using Soma. The doctor needs to know if you are taking the following medications:

  • Alfentanil
  • Alprazolam
  • Amobarbital
  • Anileridine
  • Aprobarbital
  • Bromazepam
  • Buprenorphine
  • Butabarbital
  • Butalbital
  • Carisoprodol
  • Chloral Hydrate
  • Chlordiazepoxide
  • Chlorzoxazone
  • Clobazam
  • Clonazepam
  • Clorazepate
  • Codeine
  • Dantrolene
  • Diazepam
  • Eslicarbazepine Acetate
  • Estazolam
  • Ethchlorvynol
  • Fentanyl
  • Flibanserin
  • Flunitrazepam
  • Flurazepam
  • Halazepam
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Ketazolam
  • Levorphanol
  • Lorazepam
  • Lormetazepam
  • Medazepam
  • Meperidine
  • Mephenesin
  • Mephobarbital
  • Meprobamate
  • Metaxalone
  • Methadone
  • Methocarbamol
  • Methohexital
  • Midazolam
  • Morphine
  • Morphine Sulfate Liposome
  • Nitrazepam
  • Oxazepam
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Pentobarbital
  • Phenobarbital
  • Prazepam
  • Primidone
  • Propoxyphene
  • Quazepam
  • Remifentanil
  • Secobarbital
  • Sodium Oxybate
  • Sufentanil
  • Suvorexant
  • Tapentadol
  • Temazepam
  • Thiopental
  • Triazolam

3 Proper Usage

Soma is meant for short-term use and should be taken at the maximum of two to three weeks only. You have to visit your doctor frequently when using Soma.

Soma is available in tablets that you take by mouth. Follow doctor’s orders for dose and timing of taking Soma. It is very important not to take more or less than the prescribed dose.

Take Soma with a full glass of water, withSoma is usually taken three times a day. Take Soma at morning, noon and at bedtime.

If you missed a dose of Soma, take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to original scheduling. Do not take more Soma to make up for the missed dose. Do not increase your dose of Soma for any reason without doctor’s advice.

You can overdose on Soma, which can be dangerous. If you took too much Soma tablets, call emergency hotlines right away.

Store Soma tablets at room temperature away from heat and light.

4 Precautions to Take

Soma is a short-term treatment for muscle and bone pain. Make sure to visit your doctor at scheduled visits to check your progress and detect early signs of side effects.

Soma may cause drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking a dose. Note that drugs for colds, allergies, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants and anxiety-reliever drugs may enhance drowsiness caused by Soma. While taking Soma, do not take any other medicine without the approval of your doctor.

Note that Soma has habit forming potential, so it must not be taken in larger amounts than prescribed or given to others. Keep Soma in a secure place.

Do not stop taking Soma without doctor’s advice. Make sure to have ample supply of Soma during treatment. Suddenly discontinuing Soma can cause serious adverse effects. Soma is usually discontinued by gradually tapering off the dose.

If you feel that you are addicted to Soma or feel the need to take the drug to make it through the day, call the doctor right away.

If you become pregnant or do breastfeeding while taking Soma, call your doctor right away.

5 Potential Side Effects

Soma may cause serious side effects that require medical intervention. Call your doctor if you experienced any of the following:

  • Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, nose, tongue, or throat
  • Loss of sensation or control on any part of the body (paralysis)
  • Extreme weakness
  • Lack of bodily coordination
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Having seizures
  • Loss of vision
  • Agitation or confusion

Soma may cause minor side effects such as:

6 Related Clinical Trials

Top