What  is carisoprodol? 

Carisoprodol is  a muscle relaxer that works by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. 

Carisoprodol  is used together with rest  and physical therapy to treat injuries and other painful musculoskeletal conditions. 

Carisoprodol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. 

What is the most important information I should know about carisoprodol? 

This medication may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was  prescribed for. Carisoprodol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using carisoprodol after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to  your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Carisoprodol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking  or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by carisoprodol. 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carisoprodol? 

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to carisoprodol or meprobamate (Equanil, Miltown), or if you have porphyria. 

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: 

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; 
• liver disease; or 
• Kidney disease. 

If you have any of these conditions, you may need  a dose adjustment or special tests  to safely take carisoprodol. 

This medication  may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Carisoprodol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse  or addiction. Keep  the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using carisoprodol after using it over a long period of time. Withdrawal symptoms include stomach pain, sleep problems, headache, nausea, and seizure (convulsions). Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to  your doctor. You may need to use less  and less before you stop the medication completely. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell  your doctor if you are pregnant  or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is  not known whether carisoprodol passes into breast milk  or if  it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling  your doctor if you  are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give  this medication to a child younger than 12 years old. 

How should I take carisoprodol? 

Take  this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take  the medication in larger amounts, or take  it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. 

Take each dose with a full glass  of water.  Store carisoprodol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. 

What happens if I miss a dose? 

Take the missed dose  of carisoprodol as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for  your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine  at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra carisoprodol to make up the missed dose. 

What happens if  I overdose? 

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much carisoprodol. 

Overdose symptoms may include shallow breathing, vision problems, fast heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations (seeing things), muscle stiffness, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions). 

What should I avoid while taking carisoprodol? 

Carisoprodol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by carisoprodol. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by carisoprodol. 

Carisoprodol side effects 

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of  your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using carisoprodol and call  your doctor at once if  you have any of these serious side effects: 

• paralysis (loss of feeling); 
• extreme weakness or lack of coordination; 
• feeling light-headed, fainting; 
• fast heartbeat; 
• seizure (convulsions); 
• vision loss; or 
• Agitation, confusion. 

Less serious side effects may include: 

• drowsiness, dizziness, tremor; 
• headache;
• depression, feeling irritable; 
• blurred vision; 
• sleep problems (insomnia); or 
• Nausea, vomiting, hiccups, upset stomach. 

This is not a complete list  of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA. 

What other drugs will affect carisoprodol? 

There may be other drugs that can affect carisoprodol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. 

Where can I get more information? 

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about carisoprodol. 

What does my medication look like? 

Carisoprodol is available with a prescription under the brand name Soma. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. 

• Soma 350 mg - white, round tablets 
• Remember, keep carisoprodol and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines  with others,  and use this medication only for the indication prescribed 
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. 

Notes: DrJMinor

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EditText of this page (last edited January 8, 2010)