Soma
® (
carisoprodol) is a prescription muscle relaxant. It is meant to be used temporarily (up to two or three weeks) to treat muscle spasms due to injury or other muscle problems. Even though Soma is not a controlled substance, it has the potential to be abused
(see Soma Abuse) and should be used cautiously in people with a tendency toward alcohol or drug abuse.
(Click Soma Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Brand-name Soma is made by MedPointe Pharmaceuticals, while the generic version is made by several different manufacturers.
It is not known exactly how Soma works to relieve muscle spasms. However, it is known that it works mostly in the brain stem and spinal cord and not directly on the muscles. Also, the liver metabolizes the drug into meprobamate, a barbiturate medication with anti-
anxiety and sedative properties. It is thought that it is this metabolite that contributes to the abuse potential of Soma. Interestingly, although meprobamate is a controlled substance in the United States, Soma is not categorized as a controlled substance.
When and How to Take Soma
Some general considerations for when and how to take Soma include the following:
- Soma comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth three times daily and at bedtime.
- You can take the medication with food or on an empty stomach. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- In general, it should only be used for a maximum of two to three weeks at a time.
- The muscle relaxant can cause significant drowsiness, so your healthcare provider may recommend that you take it only at night (especially if you need to be alert during the day).
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard way to dose Soma, regardless of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Soma Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Soma can potentially interact with a number of other medications
(see Soma Interactions).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Soma?
Before taking this medicine, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Acute intermittent porphyria
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Soma may have overdose symptoms that include (but are not limited to):
- Loss of life
- Coma
- Slow and shallow breathing
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
If you happen to overdose on this medicine, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of the medicine.
Soma tablets come in the following strengths:
Is There a Generic Version of Soma?
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions are licensed for sale.
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