Soma's mechanism of action includes enhancing the activity of GABA neurotransmitters that prevent the transmission of the pain signal from reaching the brain receptor.
The recommended Soma dosage for beginners is 350 mg, which can be increased to 500 mg in severe cases. So, do not exceed 1500mg of Soma in a day.
Staying informed about the Soma mechanism of action and its dosage guidelines is very important to avoid drug interactions. It also increases the effectiveness of the treatment and lowers the possibility of side effects.
Soma is the brand drug of Carisoprodol, which is a muscle relaxer developed during the 1950s. However, Carisoprodol got approval from the FDA in 1959 and has been on the market since then. It works within 30 minutes of intake and lasts for 5 to 6 hours.
In this comprehensive guide, we examine the dosage of Soma and the mechanism behind its therapeutic effect.
Carisoprodol Mechanism Of Action
Soma pill or Carisoprodol is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant that helps manage muscle pain and spasms. Its mechanism of action involves several effects on the central nervous system (CNS).
- Affecting the GABA Receptors-
The Soma pill enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This reduces the activity of neurons and prevents the transmission of pain signals along the nerves, leading to pain relief.
- Altering The Pain Signals-
The Soma pill can also have a direct effect on pain perception. It alters the way pain signals are processed in the brain, thus helping to reduce the sensation of pain associated with muscle spasms or injuries.
Half-life Of Carisoprodol
The average half-life of the Soma pill or Carisoprodol is around 2 hours, which represents the time it takes the medication to reduce to half.
The half-life of Meprobamate is 10 hours, which indicates that it takes about 2 days for the body to eliminate it, as shown in the table below.
The table below lists the elimination time of Carisoprodol and meprobamate based on their half-life. The Soma pill is eliminated through the kidneys as urine.
|
Drug Level Remaining |
Time (Carisoprodol) |
Time (Meprobamate) |
|---|---|---|
|
100 % |
0.00 hrs |
0.00 hrs |
|
50 % |
2.00 hrs |
10.00 hrs |
|
25 % |
4.00 hrs |
20.00 hrs |
|
12 % |
6.00 hrs |
1.25 days |
|
6.25 % |
8.00 hrs |
1.67 days |
|
3.13 % |
10.00 hrs |
2.08 days |
Pharmacokinetics Of Carisoprodol
The Soma pill has a rapid onset of action and works within 30 minutes of intake. Its effects last up to 5 to 6 hours.
Dosing Guidelines For Soma
The Soma pill has three primary dosage strengths: 250 mg, 350 mg, and 500 mg.
-
Soma 350 mg is more commonly recommended for beginners. It should be taken three times a day and once before bed.
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In comparison, the Soma 500mg is for people suffering from severe pain and does not respond well to the lower dosage of the muscle relaxant. The Soma 500 mg pill should be taken 2 to 3 times a day.
Factors Influencing The Appropriate Dosage
The factors that affect the Soma dosage include:
Age-
People below the age of 17 years and above 65 years should refrain from taking Soma pills.
Medical History-
Patients with a history of kidney and liver disorders should avoid taking Soma pill without medical consultation.
Tolerance-
If a patient has been taking a Soma pill for a while, they may develop a tolerance, requiring a higher dosage to achieve the same effect.
Severity of Pain-
The severity of the pain can also help determine the appropriate Soma dosage. A higher dose of Soma pill is recommended for people with severe body pain.
Contraindication
The intake of the Soma pill is restricted in the following people-
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Pregnant and lactating women.
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People taking other medication or supplements. As coadministering the Soma pill with other medications can cause drug interaction.
Common Dosage Mistakes and Risks
There are several common dosage mistakes and risks associated with its administration, as listed below.
Overdosing-
Some individuals may believe that taking more Soma will provide better pain relief. However, exceeding the recommended dosage can increase the risk of side effects. Taking high doses of the Soma pill can also increase the risk of dependence and overdose.
The maximum Soma dosage per day is 1500 mg, and taking a higher dose can result in overdosing. A few symptoms of Soma overdose include mental confusion, fainting, lightheadedness, shallow breathing, and rapid heartbeat.
Combining With Other Medicines-
Soma has sedative effects, and combining it with other substances, such as alcohol, opioids, or medications, can amplify these effects. This can lead to excessive sedation, impaired coordination, respiratory depression, coma, or even death.
Abrupt Discontinuation-
Suddenly stopping Soma pill intake after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, tremors, nausea, and seizures. It's important to consult a doctor before discontinuing the Soma pill to minimize these withdrawal effects.
Using for Prolonged Periods-
Soma pill is typically prescribed for short-term use (usually up to two to three weeks). Prolonged use can increase the risk of tolerance, dependence, and addiction.