Generic Name: Carisoprodol
Classification: Muscle Relaxant
Other Names: Soma
Used to treat:
Muscle Spasms and Acute Muscle Pain
(These are common indications for this medication. There may be additional conditions not listed here. Check with your doctor if you have questions about your specific condition).
General Directions for Taking Medication:
Take only as directed. DO NOT take more than prescribed.
If you miss a dose, take the medicine within 1 hour. If has been more than 1 hour, skip the dose, wait until your next dose time, and take only 1 dose. DO NOT double up the doses.
Take medicine with food to limit upset stomach symptoms.
Continue the physical therapy program prescribed by your doctor.
If dizzy when you rise from sitting or lying positions, change positions slowly.
DO NOT lift heavy objects or perform strenuous activity even if you feel better. This medication may mask symptoms of your injury.
Follow-up with your doctor regularly to monitor the effectiveness of this medication.
Contraindications:
Allergies - Hypersensitivity to this medication or its components
Patients with Porphyria - Excessive porphyin production (nitrogen compounds) in the blood
Use with caution in:
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding - May not be safe for your baby. Talk to your doctor about risks and benefits.
Patients with severe liver or kidney disorders
Common Side Effects:
May occur during the first few days after beginning therapy, but usually resolve:
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or constipation; hiccups, headaches, irritability, insomnia, dizziness or drowsiness; or skin flushing
Serious Side Effects:
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
Depression, asthma attack, rapid heart rate, or low blood pressure
Idiosyncratic Reaction - Severe fatigue, weakness, paralysis, loss of balance, joint pain, confusion, elevated mood, and visual problems
Allergic reaction symptoms such as a red skin rash; itching; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat; wheezing; chest pain; and difficulty breathing
Interactions:
Drug - There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, which will alter the action of this medication. Some include antihistamines, narcotics, or sedatives.
It is extremely important that you consult with your doctor about dosing schedules if you take a variety of medications along with this medication. DO NOT take any new medication without talking with your doctor first.
Warnings:
Overdose - Can lead to severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Especially if taken with alcoholic beverages.
Avoid alcoholic beverages due to increased drowsiness side effects.
DO NOT drive or operate machinery due to drowsiness side effects.
Keep this medication and all others out of reach of children and pets.
General Dosage Information:
Dosing is individually based. Talk to your doctor about your specific dosing schedule:
Storage:
Keep at room temperature.
Protect from sunlight and moisture.
