Soma Pill FAQ: Expert Answers to Carisoprodol Queries

Over the years, Soma tablets have grabbed the limelight in the medical and pharmaceutical world for their higher efficacy and potency. As with any medication, some common queries and concerns arise regarding its use, safety, and effectiveness. Understanding what Soma is and its use is crucial for ensuring optimal benefits while minimizing potential risks. This blog provides expert answers on Soma (Carisoprodol) to help you make informed decisions about managing muscle conditions. 

So, here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions on the Soma pill. 

Basics of Soma

What Is Soma?

Soma, a brand name for Carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxant prescribed for managing musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Musculoskeletal pain affects the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

Soma is typically prescribed for short-term use (2 to 3 weeks), often together with rest and physical therapy.

What Drug Class Is Soma?

Soma medication belongs to the drug class of skeletal muscle relaxants.

Is Soma A Controlled Substance?

Yes, Soma (Carisoprodol) is a Schedule IV controlled substance as categorized by the Drug Enforcement Administration under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. 

This classification indicates that Soma has a potential for abuse and dependence, requiring regulation and control in its prescription and dispensation. 

What Does A Soma Pill Look Like?

Soma pills are white, convex, and round tablets. The strength of the medicine ( 350mg or 500mg) is imprinted on the tablet. However, the other imprints on the pill may differ depending on the brand. 

What Is Soma Used For?

Doctors prescribe Soma for various types of pain; a few are mentioned below.

• For arthritis: A study by Eugene J. Chesrow et al. indicates that Soma treats leg cramps associated with vascular, neurological, and arthritis issues in the patient. 

• For Headaches: Muscle relaxers can help loosen stiff neck and head muscles [8]. They also create a calming effect by slowing down the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, using Soma for migraines can be very effective. 

• Restless leg syndrome (RLS): It is a condition that causes a sensation that urges people to move their legs. Taking Soma pills in conjunction with other medicines can help with RLS [9]. 

• For menstrual pain: Even though the Uterus is a muscular organ, not all muscle relaxers will work on it. Certain uterine muscle relaxers for period cramps work effectively to help relieve pain in 30 minutes. 

• Treating nerve pain: Soma muscle relaxer helps to ease muscle tightness and spasms. Doctors also prescribe this pain medication to help with nerve pain from multiple sclerosis or sciatica. 

• Soma For Anxiety: Carisoprodol (Soma) helps manage anxiety and stress [5]. It is an off-label benefit of the analgesic that positively affects the user's mental health. 

Is Soma A Narcotic?

No, Soma medication is not a narcotic drug. Narcotic drugs are opioid pain relievers.

Is Soma A Barbiturate?

No, Soma is not a barbiturate, but it can have similar sedative effects.

Working Mechanism

How Does Soma Work?

The working mechanism of Soma involves blocking the pain sensations between the nerves and the brain, providing muscle relaxation and relief. 

How Long Does It Take For Soma To Kick In?

The Soma muscle relaxer starts working within 30 minutes of taking the dosage. However, this onset of action may differ depending on the person's metabolism, age, genetics, and pill strength.

How Long Does Soma Stay In Your System?

The half-life of Soma is 2 hours, and it stays in the system for 11 hours.

Does Soma Show Up On A Drug Test?

Yes, drug screening tests can detect the presence of the medicine in the body. It is traceable in the following parts- 

• Blood- 24 hours from the last dosage. 

• Urine- 2 to 3 days. 

• Hair- 30 days. 

• Saliva- 4 hours.

Usage and Dosage

How To Take Soma?

Soma drugs should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. A few guidelines to follow are-

• It is an oral medication that should be taken by mouth. 

• Soma can be administered with or without meals.

• Long-term use of Soma is not recommended, and discontinuation after three weeks is advised to avoid signs of abuse, dependency, respiratory problems, and seizures.

• The use of the Soma pill is not recommended for over 3 weeks. 

What Is The Recommended Soma Dosage?

• Soma muscle relaxer dosage of 350 mg is recommended for beginners and can be taken 3 to 4 times daily. 

• Take the higher dose, such as Soma 500mg, 2 to 3 times daily. 

• One must not exceed more than 1400mg a day.

Can I Take 2 Soma At Once?

No, Soma pills should be taken one at a time. Taking two pills together can cause overdosing, increasing the risks of side effects.

Look for the following signs to identify an overdose in a person-

• Rapid heartbeat

• Muscle stiffness

• Fainting

• Hallucinations

• Shallow breathing

• Confusion

Is Soma Being Discontinued?

So far, no reports suggest the discontinuation of the Soma pill by the FDA or the manufacturer. 

Side Effects and Precautions

Side Effects: How Does Soma Make You Feel?

Common Soma (Carisoprodol) side effects are:

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Blurry vision

It is important to note that this is only a partial list of all the possible side effects of Soma. 

What Precautions Should Be Taken While Using Soma?

Consider the following factors before taking Soma to avoid the chances of experiencing side effects.

• The intake of alcohol with Carisoprodol should be avoided.

• Patients with cardiovascular or heart disorders must consult a doctor before taking the analgesic.

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, as it may impair your ability to perform these activities safely.

• Inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially kidney or liver disease, history of drug abuse or addiction, and any allergies to medications.

• Do not abruptly stop taking Soma, as sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal. Soma withdrawal symptoms include nausea, headache, and insomnia.

Is Soma Safe During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding?

Soma is a pregnancy Category C medication. Therefore, pregnant and nursing mothers shouldn't take the analgesic without consulting a doctor. The infants born to mothers with the non-prescription usage of Soma show disorders such as diarrhea, persistent crying, vomiting, and irritability [11]. 

Potential for Abuse and Dependence

Is Soma Addictive?

Yes, improper and long-term use of Soma muscle relaxers can result in addiction and dependency. The sedative effect of the analgesic is a significant cause of abuse. One must be aware of Soma abuse potency and should be able to identify the signs to avoid adverse conditions. 

What Are The Signs Of Soma Dependence Or Abuse?

Soma abuse can affect physical health along with developing psychological dependency.

A few signs of abuse in people-

• Using Soma in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed.

• Seeking or craving the medication despite adverse effects.

• Neglecting responsibilities or social activities.

• Experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors or rapid heartbeat, depression, vomiting, and weakness or seizures.

To avoid Soma dependence, take the medication as prescribed by healthcare professionals. If dependence develops, it is essential to seek professional help. 

Interactions and Contraindications

Can Soma Be Taken With Other Medications?

Certain medications may interact with Soma, leading to potential side effects or reduced effectiveness. Inform your doctor if you are taking sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, or any medicines that affect the central nervous system. Your doctor will assess if Soma is safe to take alongside other medications and may adjust the dosage or monitor closely for interactions.

What Drugs Interact With Soma?

Soma can interact with a total of 366 drugs. Do not take Soma with other medications to avoid drug interactions. Soma drug interaction may lead to adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness of either Soma or the other substances.

Some drugs not advisable with Soma are Adderall, Flexeril, Ibuprofen, Zolpidem, Lyrica, Hydrocodone, tramadol, etc.

• Interaction of Soma with Valium: It causes moderate side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and confusion. 

• Tramadol with Soma: Both analgesics act on the central nervous system, causing severe side effects. The symptoms of this interaction are breathing issues, agitation, and palpitation. 

• Gabapentin intake with Soma: The drug interaction between Carisoprodol and Gabapentin can cause side effects such as dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. 

What Are The Contraindications For Soma?

Soma use is contraindicated in the following-

• Patients with a history of intermittent porphyria, a rare genetic disorder that affects the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in the blood.

• Patients who are allergic to carbamates like meprobamate.

Why Won't My Doctor Prescribe Soma?

Several doctors refrain from prescribing Soma because of its risk factors. It can elevate the chances of experiencing addiction and dependency. Therefore, your physician will thoroughly review your medical history before prescribing the muscle relaxer. 

What Is The Closest Muscle Relaxer To Soma?

Three muscle relaxers that show similar action and efficacy as Carisoprodol are Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine), Zanaflex (tizanidine), and Skelaxin (Metaxalone). 

What Is The Street Name Of Soma?

Soma Street's name includes Ds, Dance, and Las Vegas Cocktail (an assortment of Soma and Vicodin). It is also known as Soma coma, which describes the combination of Soma pill with codeine. 

How Much Does Soma Cost?

The cost of the Soma pill varies depending on the brand name and the online retailer.