Soma

Pharmacy Drug Name

Quantity

Price

Uses

Carisoprodol (kar-EYE-soe-PROE-dol) is used to treat discomfort associated with certain painful muscle conditions. It is especially useful against various types of pain (whether or not related to muscle spasm).

How to take

Use Carisoprodol as directed by your doctor. Take by mouth with or without food. The recommended dose of Carisoprodol is 350 mg three times a day and at bedtime.

Side effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting. Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth; face, lips, or tongue, hoarseness); agitation, confusion, disorientation, eye pain or irritation; fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, joint pain, loss of coordination; mood or mental changes; paralysis in the arms and legs; seizures, severe or persistent dizziness; severe weakness, tremors, vision changes (eg, loss of vision, double vision). If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness or drowsiness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, fast heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

Precaution

Do not take Carisoprodol if you are allergic to any ingredient in Carisoprodol or to similar medicines (eg, meprobamate); you have the blood disorder porphyria; you take sodium oxybate (GHB) or meprobamate.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: if you have a history of kidney or liver problems, prostate problems, or seizures; if you have a history of alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence. Carisoprodol may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Carisoprodol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Do not drink alcohol while you are using Carisoprodol.
Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Carisoprodol; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Carisoprodol may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Do not take more than the recommended dose or use Carisoprodol for longer than 2 to 3 weeks without checking with your doctor.
Rarely, some patients have experienced an unexpected reaction within minutes or hours after taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or seek medical care right away if you develop severe weakness, paralysis of the arms or legs, severe dizziness, loss of coordination, vision changes (eg, loss of vision, double vision), joint pain, or mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, confusion, disorientation).
Use Carisoprodol with caution in Asian patients; they may be more sensitive to its effects. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Carisoprodol while you are pregnant. Carisoprodol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Carisoprodol, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Some people who use Carisoprodol for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. If you stop taking Carisoprodol suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These may include stomach cramps, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, or seizure.

Drug interactions

It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Carisoprodol with the following: Antidepressant drugs such as Elavil, Tofranil, and Nardil; Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Stelazine, and Thorazine; Sedatives such as Nembutal and Halcion; Tranquilizers such as Librium, Valium, and Xanax.

Missed 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

Store Carisoprodol at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Carisoprodol out of the reach of children and away from pets.