Mostly asked question on Soma (Carisoprodol) in 2022

Over the years, Soma has grabbed the limelight in the medical and pharmaceutical world for its higher efficacy and potency. With an accelerating reputation as an analgesic, cases of several non-prescription usages of the analgesic also came into existence. Thus, raising several questions on the use and precautions of this magnificent pain medication. So, here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions on the Soma pill. 

 

What is Soma?

Soma pill is a brand name of Carisoprodol which is a muscle relaxer. It is a CNS depressant that function by preventing the nervous system from sending pain signals to the brain. In the body, Carisoprodol gets metabolized to form meprobamate, also known as Miltown. Initially, the Soma pill was developed to treat signs of anxiety. 

What does Soma look like?

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

Is Soma a muscle relaxant?

Yes, It is a muscle relaxer that helps lose muscle tension in the user. 

What Is Soma Used For?

The prescription use of Soma is for treating pain from musculoskeletal conditions. Physicians also prescribe this medication for treating lower back pain causes in patients.

 

 

For arthritis:

A study by Eugene J. Chesrow et al., Indicates that Carisoprodol has a significant value in treating leg cramps associated with vascular, neurological, and arthritis issues in the patient [6]. However, arthritis is more common in older people. Such people should use Soma muscle relaxers after a doctor's consultation. 

 

Treating Hip pain and injury:

Physicians prescribe muscle relaxers after joint replacement surgery for pain associated with muscle spasms [7]. 

 

For Headache:

Muscle relaxers can help loosen the user's neck and head muscles [8]. They also create a calming effect in the patient by slowing down the CNS in the user. Therefore, using Soma for migraine can be very effective. 

 

Managing restless leg syndrome:

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes a sensation that urges people to move their legs. Taking this pain medication in conjunction with other medicines can help the issue of RLS [9]. 

 

For menstrual pain:

Even though Uterus is a muscular organ, not all muscle relaxers will work on them. Certain uterine muscle relaxers for period cramps work effectively to help relieve pain in 30 minutes. A research paper by the University of Nottingham suggests that uterine muscle relaxers can cause miscarriage in women [10]. So, it is ideal for a woman to consult a doctor before taking muscle relaxers for period pain. 

 

Treating nerve pain:

The action of the Soma muscle relaxer involves the communication between the nerves of the central nervous system, which further helps in inducing muscle relaxation in the body. The use of this pain medication can help to ease muscle tightness and spasms in people. Doctors also prescribe this pain medication to help with nerve pain from multiple sclerosis. 

 

For anxiety- 

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

How to Take Soma?

The Soma pill is an oral medication; therefore, one should take it by mouth. The intake of the medicine is advisable with or without meals. Studies indicate the administration of the muscle relaxer with food lowers the possibility of diarrhea. The use of Carisoprodol for an extended period is not advisable, and one should discontinue it after three weeks. Prolonged use of the analgesic can cause signs of abuse and dependency. It can also cause respiratory issues and seizures. 

The strength of the muscle relaxer determines the dosage of the pill. Use 350mg of the drug 3 to 4 times a day. Take the higher dose, such as Soma 500mg, 2 to 3 times daily. 

How Much Soma Should I Take?

The muscle relaxer's dose may differ depending on several factors, including the cause of pain, your health condition, age, and metabolic activity. Beginners can take Soma 350mg. If the discomfort persists, switching to Soma 500mg is advisable. One must not exceed more than 1400mg a day.

How long does it take for Soma (Carisoprodol) to kick in?

The Soma muscle relaxer begins to show results within thirty minutes of taking the dosage. However, this onset of action may differ depending on the person's metabolic activity. 

Is Soma (Carisoprodol) a narcotic?

No, Soma muscle relaxer is not a Narcotic drug. The term Narcotic describes opioid pain medication. 

Is Soma (Carisoprodol) being discontinued?

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

Why was Soma rescheduled?

In January 2012, due to its abuse potential, DEA rescheduled Soma as a schedule IV drug. In 2009, the administrative law judge advised the FDA to note the effects of chronic use of the muscle relaxer, including published cases of Carisoprodol dependence in humans and animal studies representing its similarities with barbital, chlordiazepoxide, and meprobamate. 

Why won't my doctor prescribe Soma?

Several doctors refrain from prescribing Soma for its risk factors. It is a barbiturate that 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 (Carisoprodol)?

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

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Soma?

Overdosing can emerge from improper administration of the muscle relaxer. Look for the following signs to identify overdose in a person-

• Rapid heartbeat

• Muscle stiffness

• Fainting

• Hallucinations

• Shallow breathing

• Confusion

What Are the Reasons I Shouldn't Take Soma?

The intake of Carisoprodol under certain conditions can increase the chances of experiencing side effects.  Consider the following factors before taking the muscle relaxer-

 

 

Patients with heart disorder:  

The wrong dosage or extended use of Soma pills can cause cardiovascular issues. Therefore, people with significant heart disorders must consult a professional before taking the analgesic.

 

Pregnancy:

Carisoprodol is a 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]. 

 

People with renal disorder: 

Soma pill gets eliminated from the body through the person's kidney. People taking the medication with kidney disorders may take longer to excrete the compound and its metabolite from the body. It may alter the effects on the user. However, dialysis can remove Carisoprodol and its metabolite from the body [2]. 

 

Alcohol:

The intake of alcohol with Carisoprodol muscle relaxers can make the user tolerant. One must ensure a gap of 6 to 7 hours before taking

alcoholic beverages with the Soma pill. 

 

Patients with liver issues:

Suffering from the hepatic disorder can increase the risk of side effects as it is responsible for the metabolism of the analgesic in the body. 

What Other Medications Interact With Soma?

The intake of Soma pills with other medications and treatment can affect the potency and the mechanism of action. Some drugs not advisable with Carisoprodol 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 Carisoprodol

Both analgesics act on the central nervous system of the body, thus causing severe side effects. The symptoms of this interaction are breathing issues, agitation, and palpitation. 

 

Intake of gabapentin with Soma pill

The drug interaction between Carisoprodol and Gabapentin can cause side effects such as dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Several reviews show that older people can also suffer from impaired motor coordination, affecting their thinking ability and judgment.

What are the side effects of Soma (Carisoprodol)?

Users can experience side effects: agitation, blurry vision, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, agitation, palpitation, headache, irritability, and Insomnia. It is important to note that this is not a complete list of all the possible side effects of the Soma pill. 

Carisoprodol abuse: How is it done?

The improper and elongated use of Soma muscle relaxers can result in addiction and dependency. The sedative effect of the analgesic is a significant cause of abuse. Such users achieve the sedative state by combining the analgesic with other substances such as alcohol, heroin, diazepam, and Vicodin. One must be aware of Soma abuse potency and should be able to identify the signs to avoid adverse conditions. 

Who abuses Soma?

People of all ages abuse Soma. A report by the National Survey on drug use and Health highlight the non-prescription use of about 2,276,000 people in the USA.

What are the risks?

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

The sign of abuse in people is depression, palpitation, vomiting, chills, and weakness. 

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. 

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. 

Is it illegal to abuse Soma?

No, the use of the Soma pill is not illegal. It is a scheduled drug in many countries and can require a prescription for purchase. 

 

Mexico- 

Somacid is the brand name of Carisoprodol in Mexico and is not available over the counter.  

 

In the USA-

It is a schedule IV prescription medication. 

 

Europe-

People can use Carisoprodol in European county. The European Medicines Agency, however, prefers other analgesics over the Soma pills for lower abuse potential. 

How much do Soma pills cost?

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