Carisoprodol

(Generic for Soma)

This medication is a muscle relaxant.  It was originally introduced as sedative and is similar to meprobamate.  Muscle spasm is the tight knotted feeling in the back.  This medication is addictive, causes drowsiness, and may not be used within six hours of driving or operating dangerous equipment.  It can be used with non-steroidals, narcotic pain killers, and antidepressants.  It works better, in our opinion, than Skelaxin, Norflex, and Flexeril.  It works as well as Valium but is not as addictive.  Although expensive, we stock this medication since it works so well and has relatively few side effects.

The following is the package insert.  It is complete and lengthy but not easily understood

Carisoprodol Tablets

A muscle relaxant used to treat short-term painful muscle conditions in patients over 12 years of age. Is used in combination with rest and physical therapy.

Precautions: DO NOT USE if you are allergic to this medicine or if you have acute intermittent porphyria.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICATION, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or if you are taking, will be taking or stop taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine; or if you have any other medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease.

Side Effects: Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs: Drowsiness; dizziness; clumsiness; feeling of whirling motion; tremors; agitation; irritability; headache; depression; fainting; sleeplessness; rapid heartbeat; facial flushing; nausea; vomiting; hiccoughs; upset stomach.

Guidelines for Use: USE EXACTLY AS PRESCRIBED.

  • Usual adult dose is up to 3 or 4 times daily; take last dose at bedtime.
  • Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to "catch up," unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
  • May cause drowsiness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity. Avoid alcohol and other medicines that cause drowsiness (e.g., sleeping pills, antihistamines).
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture.
  • In addition to the other side effects listed above, the first dose has, rarely, been associated with extreme weakness, visual disturbances and confusion. Contact your doctor if these occur.
  • Store at room temperature.

This information is advisory only; it does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Copyright 1996 by Facts and Comparisons, used with the permission of Southwood Pharmaceuticals

Go to the next medication, cephalexin (Keflex).

Go to the next chapter on orthotics.



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Last modified: 07/27/08