CARISOPRODOL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Soma

GENERIC NAME(S): CARISOPRODOL

Description: Carisoprodol blocks interneuronal synaptic activity in the descending reticular formation and spinal cord resulting in skeletal muscle relaxation.

Uses

Carisoprodol treats short-term muscle pain and discomfort by helping to relax the muscles. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments.

How to use carisoprodol

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as stomach cramps, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 2 to 3 weeks or if it worsens.

Warnings

Side Effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen dizziness, drowsiness, or headache.

Tell your doctor right away if you have confusion as a side effect.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions

Allergic reaction to this medication.
Patients with medical history of:
- a certain blood disorder (acute intermittent porphyria)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- seizure
- personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol

Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
Older adults may be more sensitive to drowsiness, or confusion.
This medication is not recommended for use during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including:

Alcohol
antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine)
other muscle relaxants
narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine)
drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, meprobamate, zolpidem)

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness/dizziness, seizures, slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), inability to move your legs/arms, shaky/unsteady movement, vision changes (such as blurred vision).

Notes: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.