What is Soma? Soma, also available as Carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxer that obstructs pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. It is beneficial as a combination in a treatment program that includes physical therapy and rests in injury or pain caused by skeletal muscle conditions. Soma helps relax muscles after strains, sprains, and muscle injuries that block sensation between the nerves and the brain. It is an effective medication for musculoskeletal pain. Generally, its effects begin within half an hour and last for upto six hours. Its formation is for oral use only. Soma (Carisoprodol) works by affecting the communication between the CNS nerves (central nervous system). It produces pain relief and muscle relaxation. It is available in tablet form and is also available in combination products that include aspirin and codeine or aspirin only. Important Information You should not take Soma if you have porphyria or are allergic to Carisoprodol or meprobamate. Soma may be habit-forming even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with someone else. Misuse of any habit-forming medicine like Soma can cause overdose, addiction, or death. Carisoprodol may cause side effects that impair your thinking or reactions. Be aware while driving or performing any activity that requires alertness. Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase dizziness and drowsiness caused by Soma. You may face withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Soma after using it for a longer time or in high doses. Do not suddenly stop taking Soma without prior consultation with the doctor. What to know before taking Soma? Before taking Soma, you should know if you are allergic to meprobamate or Carisoprodol or have a genetic enzyme disorder that leads to symptoms affecting the nervous system or skin called porphyria. Tell your medical healthcare provider if you have ever had: Kidney disease; Liver disease; or A seizure It is still unknown whether Soma will harm an unborn baby or not. Tell the doctor about your pregnancy. Soma may cause drowsiness in a nursing baby by passing into breast milk. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. This medicine is not under the recommendation for use by anyone younger than 16 years old. Side effects of Soma are more likely to occur in older adults. How to take Soma? Take Soma precisely as per the doctor’s prescription. Read carefully and follow all the directions on the prescription label and medication guides. Soma (Carisoprodol) may be habit-forming. Misuse of Soma can cause addiction, overdose, or death. It is against the lawful act to sell or give away this medicine. The usual intake of Soma is three times per day. Carefully follow your doctor’s dosing instructions. One should take Soma for only two to three weeks. If there is no improvement in your health condition or if it gets worse, inform your doctor. Soma is only part of a complete treatment program that may include physical therapy, rest, or other pain relief measures. Do not suddenly stop using Soma after long-term use, or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Take your doctor’s advice on how to stop using this medicine safely. Store Soma away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Keep track of your drug. Be aware of someone misusing your medicine or taking it without a prescription because Soma is a drug of abuse. Soma dosage Your dosage will depend upon your age, medical condition, and response to the initial phase of treatment with this drug. Usual adult dosage for muscle spasm: 250 mg to 350 mg orally three times a day and at bedtime Duration of treatment: up to two to three weeks Overdose In case of an overdose to Soma, take medical help or call the Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Soma can be deadly, especially if you take this medicine with alcohol or other drugs that can slow down your breathing. Overdose symptoms to Soma may include confusion, vision problems, muscle stiffness, hallucinations, weak or shallow breathing, loss of coordination or balance, seizure (or convulsions), fainting, or coma. What to avoid while using Soma? Avoid alcohol consumption because it can cause dangerous side effects, and death could occur. Avoid driving any vehicle or performing any hazardous activity until you know this medicine’s effect on you. Dizziness or drowsiness can lead to accidental falls or severe injuries. Soma side effects Go for emergency medical help if you have allergic reactions due to the use of Soma. Signs of an allergic reaction include issues with breathing, hives, swelling of your face, throat, lips, or tongue. Stop using Soma (Carisoprodol) and immediately call your doctor if you have: Seizure (convulsions); or High serotonin levels in the body- fever, agitation, sweating, shivering, hallucinations, muscle stiffness, fast heart rate, nausea, loss of coordination, twitching, vomiting, diarrhea Common side effects of Soma may include: Dizziness; Drowsiness; or Headache It is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Take your doctor’s medical advice regarding side effects. Report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What drugs can interact with Soma? Sometimes it is unsafe to take specific medications at the same time. Some medicines can affect the blood level of other drugs you take, which may increase the risk of side effects or make the medication less effective. Taking Soma with other drugs can slow down your breathing or make you feel sleepy, and it can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your medical healthcare professional before taking a sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, opioid medication, or medicine for seizures or anxiety. Various drugs may interact with Soma. It includes prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal products, and vitamins.