Soma
Generic Name:
carisoprodol (kar eye soe PROE dole)
Brand Names:
Soma, Vanadom
USES:
This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries. Muscle relaxers are for specific muscle injury and pain and should not be used for general body aches and pains.
HOW TO USE:
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will usually direct you to take this medication for your current injury only. Do not save this drug for future use. Follow your doctor's directions on when to reduce your dose, take it less often, or stop taking it.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., stomach cramps, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal when stopping extended/regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen after 2 to 3 weeks.
What side effects do Soma users report?
The side effects of Soma that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, clumsiness, changes in vision and headache.
Of the patients who experienced side effects, most of them reported the side effects showed up within the period of the first to the fourth dose.
Tell your doctor if you experience; drowsiness or dizziness; headache; depression; blurred vision or small pupils; insomnia; hiccups; faint ringing in the ears; or nausea, vomiting, constipation, lack of bladder control, irritability or trouble sleeping. You may need a reduced dosage.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or especially bothersome. There could be other side effects other than those listed here. Your doctor can tell you if it is safe to continue to take Soma/Carisoprodol.
What should I avoid while taking Soma?
Soma can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Soma. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Soma.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Soma, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.
How should you take Soma?
Take Soma exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember if only an hour or so has passed. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
