An Overview of Overdosing on Soma
Soma® (
carisoprodol) is a muscle relaxant that is available by prescription only. A Soma overdose can be fatal. The specific effects of a Soma overdose will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the
Soma dosage and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.
Effects of an Overdose of Soma
If a person overdoses on Soma, the symptoms can vary. Some reported symptoms of a Soma overdose include:
- Loss of life
- Coma
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Seizures
- Delirium or hallucinations
- Uncontrollable muscle contractions
- Uncontrollable eye movements
- Blurred vision
- Dilated (wide open) pupils
- An unexplained pleasant feeling (euphoria)
- Rigidity
- Problems with muscle coordination
- Headaches.
Combining Soma with alcohol or other prescription medications increases the risk of dangerous overdose symptoms. Deaths have occurred due to intentional and accidental Soma overdoses.
Treatment for a Soma Overdose
The treatment for a Soma overdose will vary. If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Vomiting should not be induced. Treatment also involves supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options may include:
- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV), if necessary
- Medications to control seizures or other symptoms
- Very close monitoring of breathing
- Other treatments based on complications that occur.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Soma.
