Soma

Drug Name - Soma (Carisoprodol)

Soma (Carisoprodol) is useful in the treatment of muscle aches and stiffness as it is a muscle relaxant.

Indications for Use

Soma is an orally administered muscle relaxant indicated for use in the treatment of muscle pain, stiffness or spasm of the muscles and in treating muscle cramps and sprains.

Instructions for Use

The usual prescribed dose is 350mg/ thrice daily and during bedtime. It is not advisable for use in children below the age of 12. It is advisable to take Soma after consuming food or milk as it carries a high possibility of causing stomach upsets if taken on an empty stomach.

Drug Category and Mechanism of Action

The drug is a muscle relaxant. It works by preventing pain impulses from reaching the pain centers located in the reticular area of the brain and in the spinal cord.

If You Miss a Dose

If you remember within an hour that you forgot to take the drug at the scheduled time, take it immediately. If you remember much later than this, avoid taking the dose at that time and only take it when it is time for the next dose. Do not compensate by taking extra dose of the medicine.

Storing Instructions

The drug is best stored at room temperature. Avoid direct contact with moisture or sunlight.

Safety Information

Avoid use of Soma if you suffer from acute intermittent porphyria. Inform the doctor if you are suffering from liver or kidney problems as it might need dosage alterations or close monitoring if you are prescribed Soma.

If you are pregnant, do not use Soma without consulting your doctor first. The information on whether Soma passes through breast milk is unknown. So, it is essential to consult your doctor if you are a nursing mother who is prescribed Soma. Soma is not suitable for use in children below the age of 12.

Probable Adverse Effects

Some of the common side effects from Soma include headache, dizziness, irritability, vertigo, agitation, ataxia, syncope, depression, tremors and insomnia.

Some of the less common side effects include allergies or idiosyncratic reactions. These are commonly seen within the first to the fourth dose of the drug intake.

Some of the other side effects that have been reported include skin rashes, cross reactions to medications like meprobamate, erythema multiforme, fixed drug eruption, eosinophila and pruritus.

Some of the more serious side effects include dizziness, asthmatic attacks, weakness, angioneurotic edema, anaphylactic shock, fever, hypotension and eye pain.

Additional Information

Soma is useful in treating trauma to muscles and in other painful musculoskeletal problems in conjunction with physical therapy and rest.