Drug Information

Carisoprodol is a generic medication and sold under the brand name Soma among others, for medical use. In the United States, Carisoprodol is a prescription medication and Schedule IV-controlled substance. This medication is approved for medical use for three weeks. When taken by mouth, it begins its work within half an hour and lasts for up to 6 hours.
This medication was approved for medical use in the United States in the year 1959. Carisoprodol is available as a generic medication. In the United States, it was the 181st most prescribed medication with more than 3 million prescriptions in the year 2016.

Other Information

Brand name: Soma
Pharmacologic category: Skeletal muscle relaxant
The onset of action: rapid
Time to peak: 1.5 to 2 hours
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Half-life: 2 hours
Storage: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Medical Use

This medication is meant to be used along with rest physical therapy and other measures to relax muscles after sprains, strains, and muscle injuries. Carisoprodol comes in tablet format and taken by the mouth three times a day.

Dosage Forms

Oral, tablet

Soma: 250 mg, 350 mg
Generic: 250 mg and 350 mg.
Usual Adult Dosage For Muscle Spasm

You may take 250 mg to 350mg orally 3 times a day and at bedtime. You should not take this medication for more than 3 weeks.

Before Taking Carisoprodol

You are advised to avoid taking this medication if you are allergic to Carisoprodol or meprobamate.

Tell your doctor if you have or ever had,

A seizure
Liver disease
Kidney disease
How Should I Take This Medication?

You should take some precautions while using Carisoprodol to ensure the hundred percent advantage and protection from adverse effects.

You should take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor for the shortest duration.
Do not take overdoses of the drug; it may cause severe adverse effects.
Do not stop taking drugs suddenly after long-term use of medication, it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Carisoprodol is only a part of the treatment, not a complete program; you should also take the help of physical therapy and rest.
Side Effects

Carisoprodol may cause some frequent and severe side effects, which may occur due to misuse of the drug. The side effect of this medication do not happen usually but may in some adverse conditions.

Take immediate medical help if you have any of these effects which are given below,

Unknown Incidence
Chest pain
Chills
Black tarry stools
Cold sweats
Confusion
Cough
Convulsions
Faintness dizziness and lightheadedness when changing the sitting position
Pounding, fast or irregular heartbeat or pulse
Fever
Painful or difficult urination
Loss of bladder control
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Sudden loss of consciousness
Unusual weakness or tiredness
Symptoms of Overdose
Blurred vision
Change in consciousness
More significant dilated or enlarged pupils
Confusion as to place, person or time
A strange sense of well-being
Hallucination
Headache
Inability to move the eyes
Increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
Heightened sensitivity of the eyes to light
Irregular, slow or fast or shallow breathing
Muscle stiffness
Uncontrolled eye movement
Unusual nervousness, excitement, or restlessness
Strange facial expression
This medication also has some usual side effects which may occur at the start of treatment. These effects do not need any special treatment as they disappear slowly during the procedure.

Anxiety
Deep or fast breathing with dizziness
Warming of face
Dry mouth
The fainting feeling of constant movement of surrounding
Irritability and heartburn
Nausea and nervousness
Numbness of the hands, feet, and around the mouth
Pain or discomfort in the chest
Redness of the face
Sensation of spinning
Shakiness and unsteady walk
Sleeplessness
Trouble sleeping
Unable to sleep
trembling, Unsteadiness,
problems with muscle control and coordination and Vomiting, etc.
It is not a complete list of side effects; some others are also possible. Talk to your health advisor if you have any unusual changes while using Carisoprodol.

What Necessary Precautions Can I Take While Using Carisoprodol?

It is essential to take a few necessary precautions while using Carisoprodol. Precautions work like a shield and protect you from the unwanted effects of the medication. Taking precautions also ensures the hundred percent benefit of the drug.

You should take a balanced dosage as prescribed by your doctor. You should not take medication without any recommendation.
This type of drug has a risk of adverse effects when using drugs less or more than a prescription.
Do not take two or more than two dosages at one time.
Do not take this drug if you are a pregnant lady or planning to have a baby.
This drug is also not right for a nursing mother; it can react to your breast milk.