------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soma (Carisoprodol)

Soma is the brand name for Carisoprodol, a prescription drug classified under Skeletal Muscle Relaxants. Soma is prescribed to treat or reduce musculoskeletal pain –the pain that is felt in the muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons.

Soma can be administered alongside other treatment options for musculoskeletal pain such as physical therapy and rest.

The drug comes in 250 mg and 350 mg, convex, white tablets labeled SOMA 250 and SOMA 350 respectively.

Understanding How Soma Works?

Soma is fashioned to act on the nervous system to bring a relaxing feeling after involuntary muscle spasm, tightness, or physical injury.

Musculoskeletal pain may result from damaged muscle tissue, trauma caused by falls, fractures, sprains, repetitive movements, wear and tear from overuse, and dislocation, among other causes.

Some musculoskeletal pain is initiated at the nervous system while others are felt at the affected muscles only.

Muscle spasms, for instance -a sudden uncontrolled contraction of a group of muscles, and tightness are usually triggered at the nervous system.

In the cases of muscle spasm and tightness, Soma acts directly at the brain to interrupt the communication of the pain signal between nerves and the brain, thus reducing the severity of the pain.

By blocking the nervous system from receiving pain signals, Soma by effect succeeds in bestowing a calming effect and alleviating pain and discomfort resulting from muscle spasms and spasticity.

Important Warnings before Taking Soma

Soma is not recommended for patients with porphyria as it may worsen its symptoms. Also, notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Carisoprodol or meprobamate.

Because of its sedative properties, Soma could impair your mental and physical capabilities and, therefore, you should avoid carrying out potentially dangerous tasks like driving, or operating heavy machinery while on Soma.

As such, avoid alcoholic substances as they may amplify the feeling of dizziness and drowsiness.

Carisoprodol is habit-forming, and you could end up developing dependence, especially after prolonged use.

Note that after using Soma for a long time, you could exhibit withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking the drug.

Talk to your doctor and let them help you gradually overcome Somo addiction. Also, notify your doctor if you’ve ever suffered any form of liver and kidney disease or seizures.

It is yet to be established whether Soma can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant as well. Carisoprodol can slip into breast milk and pass undesirable side effects like drowsiness to the nursing infant.

NOTE that Soma is not FDA-approved to be administered to persons under the age of 16.

What is the right way of taking Soma?

Because of its habit-forming tendencies, Soma should be taken exactly as prescribed by a pharmacist or a medical doctor.

Soma is a commonly abused drug in many parts of the world including the US and as of 2012, the DEA classified Carisoprodol as a controlled substance at the federal level.

Soma should be used over a short period not exceeding 3 weeks, and if the symptoms persist, immediately contact your medical doctor since increasing your dosage beyond the specified period won’t do you any good either.

Prolonged use of Carisoprodol may result in drug dependency and overdose can be fatal.

Suddenly stopping Soma use after prolonged use may result in undesirable withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, seek your doctor’s medical guide to safely withdraw from Carisoprodol dependence. Strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage instructions and if you missed a dose for whatever reason, take the next dose according to schedule.

At any point, never take both doses at the same time to compensate for the missed dose as that would amount to overdose.

What is the Recommended Dose for Carisoprodol?

The recommended Soma dosage for an adult to relieve discomfort associated with acute musculoskeletal conditions is 250-350 mg/day to be taken 3 times a day and at bedtime.

As aforementioned, because there’s no adequate evidence that prolonged use of Soma is effective, the use of this medication is limited between 2 to 3 weeks maximum.

What if I overdose on Soma?

An overdose of Carisoprodol can cause death, especially when taken with alcoholic substances or other drugs that slow breathing. The symptoms of Carisoprodol overdose include hallucinations, impaired vision, muscle stiffness, loss of balance and coordination, seizure, confusion, shallow breathing, and fainting, among others.

Seek Medical help immediately before the symptoms of overdose worsen.

Possible Side Effects of Soma

Like most drugs, the use of Soma may come with unpleasant side effects that you should watch out for in case they persist. They include;

• Difficulty in breathing
• Seizures (Convolutions)
• Agitation
• Hallucination
• Fever
• Sweating
• Fast heartbeat
• Loss of coordination
• Muscle stiffness
• Twitching
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Swelling of your face, throat, tongue, and lips
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Warning: Drinking alcohol may cause dangerous side effects.