Yes, Soma pills may affect the heart. Approximately 2% of users report experiencing irregular heartbeat due to their impact on the respiratory and circulatory systems. Individuals with high blood pressure or pre-existing heart conditions should use Soma pain medication cautiously. With proper dosage and administration, Soma can be taken safely without significant cardiac risks.
Soma pill, a Carisoprodol brand name, is a muscle relaxant commonly prescribed for treating musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, muscle spasms, and sprains. Its mechanism of action (MOA) involves blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain.
While Soma effectively manages muscle pain and stiffness, questions arise regarding its potential side effects on heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, approximately 697,000 people died in the USA from heart issues [1]. Cardiovascular or heart disorders have invariably been associated with using Soma muscle relaxer pills. Therefore, it is now more than ever essential to address the risk of Soma in heart patients.
This blog explores how Soma may affect the cardiovascular system and its direct or indirect effects on heart function. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for individuals considering or currently using Soma, especially those with pre-existing heart issues.
Understanding the Impact Of Soma On The Heart
Several studies have investigated the potential impact of Soma (Carisoprodol) on heart health. Palpitations or irregular heartbeats are a common side effect of Carisoprodol linked to heart health.
Soma pill MOA inhibits nerve cells' functioning in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, which regulate heart rate. The parasympathetic nervous system slows the heart rate, while the sympathetic nervous system elevates it [2,3]. This can manifest as palpitations in some users.
Clinical Studies-
According to a survey by ehealthme, about two percent of the people taking Soma pills suffer from heart palpitation, also termed "heart-pounding." It is a condition where the heart rate increases. It is advisable for patients to seek immediate medical attention if their palpitation occurs with:
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Fainting
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Dizziness
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Chest discomfort
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Shortness of breath.
Another study suggests that Soma pills can result in arrhythmias if administered with antidepressants [4].
How Do Muscle Relaxers Affect The Heart?
Carisoprodol, the active compound of the Soma pill, affects the heart by targeting two different pathways.
By Influencing The Respiratory Centers-
Carisoprodol can cause respiratory depression, making it hard to breathe deeply or properly. It inhibits neuromuscular transmission of the respiratory muscle, affecting the way the nerves and muscles work together in the body that help breathe [5]. It can also cause respiratory arrest, a condition where breathing completely stops. A lack of oxygen in the blood can damage the heart muscle, further triggering a heart attack.
Soma pills can also cause pulmonary hypertension. It is a medical condition that causes an elevation of pressure in the blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs, thus resulting in heart failure [6].
By Affecting The Circulatory System-
Carisoprodol affects the respiratory and circulatory systems, which are vital in delivering nutrients and oxygen to body cells.
Soma pills can affect the heart rate and the body's circulation. Thus, when prescribing this muscle relaxer to patients with heart diseases, it is essential to take caution.
According to the British Heart Foundation, Soma pills can alter blood pressure by decreasing diastolic and systolic blood pressure, possibly increasing the heart rate [7].
Symptoms Of Side Effects
The FDA lists the following cardiovascular symptoms of Soma muscle relaxers-
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Tachycardia- A fast heartbeat that is more than the normal range and may be regular or irregular.
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Postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension- A condition when your blood pressure drops significantly upon standing up from sitting or lying down.
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Facial flushing- It is the reddening of the face, often caused by blood vessels in the skin widening to increase blood flow.
Tachycardia is associated with muscle relaxants due to their histamine-releasing properties. A 1997 study by A. Genovese et al. claimed that this histamine regulates the cardiovascular system. When secreted at excessive levels, histamine can cause abnormal heart rates [8].
Safety Tips For Heart Patients
A few user guidelines for heart patients taking Soma are listed below.
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Get an electrocardiogram (ECG) done by consulting your Cardiologist before taking the Soma dosage.
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Heart patients must get Soma pills with a doctor's consultation.
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Do not take Soma pills after three weeks of continuous usage.
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Any changes in dosage must be done under the supervision of a physician.
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Do not mix your heart medication with the Soma pill to avoid drug interactions that lower the efficacy and potency of the drug.
Do Muscle Relaxers Affect The Heart- Our Final Say
Using Soma muscle relaxers slows heart rate, thus resulting in palpitation.
In severe cases, it may induce myocardial infarction or heart attack. However, it is more common in cardiac patients, people with an addiction, and those taking muscle relaxers with other medications.
Not all muscle relaxers cause the same cardiac symptoms, but none can be completely ruled out as safe for heart patients.