Soma/Carisoprodol Overview

 

Brand Names: Soma, Vanadom,

Carisoprodol is a pain reliever but should be used only when prescribed by your doctor.

 

Carisoprodol, its use and contraindications

 

Some precautions have to be followed while using Carisoprodol

Certain guidelines have to be followed when using carisoprodol. Never take the drug without the doctor prescribing it. The drug can be habit-forming so never go for self medication or share with, or give to others. People with a history of drug abuse or addiction should try to avoid it. The drug should be safely stored, out of others’ reach.

After using the drug for certain period,the medication should not be stopped all at once as it may show some withdrawal symptoms. The dosage should be slowly cut down and gradually stopped with the advice from your doctor.

The drug may result in some side-effects leading to problems in logic reasoning, reducing the capacity to think and react. Any activity requiring alertness like driving needs to be done cautiously. Carisoprodol also has some sedative effect. Do not consume alcohol as it enhances the drowsiness.

 

The drug Carisoprodol

The mode of action of carisoprodol is muscle relaxation. The drug acts by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. It is used in conjunction with physical therapy in case of painful musculoskeletal conditions

The drug is also indicated in many other conditions, not mentioned here.

 

Consuting you doctor before starting on Caridprodol is very exssential.

It is recommended the doctor is consulted before starting on Carisprodol. Brief you doctor if you have a history of any of the following conditions.

*  Allergy to Carisoprodol or meprobamate (Equanil, Miltown), or have porphyria. The drug should never be taken under these conditions

*  Epilepsy or other seizure disorder

 

*  liver disease or kidney disease.

In case, one has a history of any one or more of the above conditions, then Carisprodol is not recommended or if it is unavoidable the doctor would suggest the correct dosage and some special tests during the course of treatment.

*  One more important contraindication is pregnancy as the use of Carisprodol can cause harmful side effects on the baby inside. But it is not scientifically known if Carisprodol has the capacity to enter breast milk and thus affect the baby. However one should inform the doctor, if pregnant or if planning to do so when on treatment, or is a nursing (breast-feeding) mother. And the medication should never be started before taking the doctor’s opinion, during pregnancy. The drug is also not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

*  The drug can be habit-forming so never go for self medication or share with, or give to others. People with a history of drug abuse or addiction should completely avoid it. The drug should be safely stored, out of others’ reach.

*  After using the drug for certain period, the medication should not be stopped all at once as it may show some withdrawal symptoms like stomach ache, sleep problems, headache, nausea, and seizure (convulsions).. The dosage should be slowly cut down and gradually stopped with the advice from your doctor

 

Certain guidelines to be followed while taking Carisprodol medication:

While taking Carisprodol it is important to keep in the mind, some guidelines about, how the drug is to be taken, the dosage, and what to avoid while on the medication.

 

Take the exact dosage : Always ensure that the correct dosage is taken. Never exceed or lessen the dosage prescribed by the doctor. Also the course of medication should not be prolonged the prescription be followed strictly. Every dose should be taken with a full glass of water. The drug should be kept at ambient temperature, in a damp-free place.

 

In case a dose is missed : when a dose is missed, it can be taken when one remembers. But if the time is due for the next dose then, the regular next dose must be taken. Double dose should not be taken.

 

In case of over dosage: Emergency medical attention is needed in case of overdose. Symptoms of over dosage may manifest as difficulty in breathing, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, hallucinations (seeing things), muscle stiffness, light-headedness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

 

Avoid these when using Carisoprodol : Carisoprodol may manifest side effects that can reduce the power of logical reasoning that is the ability to think or react. Any activity requiring alertness like driving needs to be done cautiously.

 

Carisoprodol also has some sedative effect. O ther medicines like, cold medicine, pain killers, muscle relaxants, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxietyshoild be avoided as they can increase the drowsiness caused by carisoprodol. Alcohol should also be avoided for the same reason.

 

Look for the symptoms of allergy and side effects :

Allergy : People with a history of drug allergy should always look for the related symptoms. Medical help should be sought at once in case of allergic reactions. The symptoms include:

*  hives

*  difficulty in breathing

*  swelling of face, lips, numb and swollen tongue, or sore throat

Severe side effects : The drug should be stopped and emergency medical help sought at once in case of severe serious side effects which include:

*  paralysis (loss of sensation);

*  extreme fatigue or lack of coordination;

*  li ght-headedness, fainting;

*  rapid heartbeat;

*  seizure (convulsions);

*  blurred vision

*  agitation, confusion.

Milder side effects : In case of milder side effects the drug can be taken and the doctor should be consulted. These include

*  drowsiness, dizziness, tremor

*  headache;

*  feeling depressed or annoyed

*  blurred eye sight

*  sleep problems (insomnia); or

*  nausea, vomiting, hiccups, stomach disturbances..

Other side effects, not mentioned here also may be manifested. Doctor’s advice should be sought in all cases.

 

Other drugs affecting Carisoprodol : The doctor should be informed if one is taking any other medication, before beginning to use Carisoprodol. They may be vitamins, minerals, cold medicine, anti allergens, other pain killer, herbal products, drugs prescribed by other doctors, etc. A new medication must never be started before informing the doctor.

 

For more information : The pharmacist can be asked for the information booklet on Carisoprodol, written for health professionals, which provides more information about the drug.

 

The medication looks like this : Carisoprodol is available with a prescription under the brand name Soma. Other brand or generic formulations are also available. For any further queries, the pharmacist can be consulted.

*  Soma 350 mg--white, round tablets

Ensure that all medications are kept out of the reach of children. Medication should never be shared with others, and the prescription must be followed strictly. Also self medication must be avoided.

 

Disclaimer

The information we have provided here is just a guideline may be time sensitive. It is especially for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore we do not stand guarantee for uses outside of the United States.. This drug information recommend any specific therapy for a given patient.. This overview of the drug is only designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners and does not replace their expertise, skill, and judgment. It should not be assumed that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or suitable any given patient. We will not take the responsibility for any kind of outcome by the use of this information. The information given does not cover all possible outcomes of the medication like allergic reactions, or adverse effects. For further queries ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

 

 

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Any information found here is provided for general informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional.  You should not use any of the information found here to diagnose or treat a health issue or disease or to prescribe any medication. Always seek medical advice from a medical doctor. Never delay in seeing a health care professional about any questions you have