Soma is the trade name for the prescription drug carisoprodol. Soma is a muscle relaxer. It is used in combination with physical therapy and rest to treat musculoskeletal injuries and other painful conditions. If soma is taken in doses that are higher than recommended by a physician it can cause drowsiness and giddiness in the patient.

How Soma Works

While the exact way soma works is not known, it has been proven that soma affects the stem of the brain and the spine, but it does not actually affect the muscles. It works by blocking the pain connection between the brain and the nerves.

Soma is intended for short-term use of two to three weeks. Though soma in itself, when used properly, is not considered an addictive drug, it can cause dependence in patients who may have a history or a tendency towards addiction of alcohol or drugs. It should be used very carefully, and under a physician’s supervision, for those patients.

Soma metabolizes in the liver as meprobamate which is a Schedule IV drug that has a potential for abuse. Meprobamate is an anti-anxiety barbiturate, and is the substance that can lead to potential abuse of soma.

How to Take Soma

Soma comes in 350 milligram tablets. It is also paired with codeine or aspirin in tablet form. When combined with codeine it comes in an oval white and yellow tablet; this tablet is a scheduled drug because of the codeine. Soma and aspirin combined comes in round white and lavender tablets.

Patients should take soma exactly as prescribed by a physician. It should not be taken in higher doses or for a longer time than recommended by the physician. It is important to follow the directions on the prescription label. Soma should not be given to or taken by anyone other than the person for whom it was prescribed.

The normal dosage of soma is one pill three times a day, the last one right before bedtime. Each dose should be taken with an eight ounce glass or water. Soma should be kept away from heat and moisture, and stored at room temperature. If a dose is missed for any reason, take it as soon as it is remembered. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip it and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses to make up for the one missed. This could potentially lead to an overdose of soma.

Side Effects of Soma

As with any prescription medication, some people may experience side effects when taking soma. The patient should seek medical attention if they experience an allergic reaction that may include hives, problems with breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, or lips. Other side effects can include headache, depression, irritability, blurred vision, insomnia, nausea or upset stomach.

Serious side effects can occur in some people. If these symptoms occur, stop taking soma and call the physician immediately. They include paralysis, light-headed feeling or fainting, rapid heartbeat, seizures or convulsions, vision loss, lack of coordination, weakness, agitation or confusion.

There are prescription medications, herbal products, and over-the-counter medicines that could interact with soma. All medications or supplements should be discussed with the physician before taking soma. If the patient is pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, or is breastfeeding, it should be discussed with the physician. Soma could possibly be passed through breast milk to the baby. Soma should not be taken by anyone under 12 years of age.

Incorrect use of soma can result in a drug overdose. Symptoms of a soma overdose include slow or shallow breathing, low blood pressure, or a coma. Medical help should be sought immediately in the case of an overdose or suspected overdose of soma.

Abuse of Soma

Because soma is a strong pain medication, there have been instances of abuse. Soma should only be taken under the advice of a licensed physician. According to the National Survey on Drug Use, there were over 2,000,000 people age 12 and older that used soma non-medically at least once.

When soma is combined with vicodin it produces effects like using heroin. Soma is often combined with other drugs and alcohol in order to produce a mind altering affect. When used illegally, individuals can develop psychological additions to soma. The street names for soma are Ds, dance, Las Vegas cocktail (a combination of soma and vicodin), and soma coma (a combination of coma and codeine).

Soma Precautions

Soma can cause side effects that could impair the thinking or the reactions of the patient. Care should be taken when driving or performing tasks that call for a high level of alertness and awareness. Sleepiness can be further enhanced in the patient taking soma when drinking alcohol, taking cold or allergy medications, muscle relaxers, medication for seizures, narcotic pain medicine, or medications for depression or anxiety.

Patients using soma should consult with their physician when stopping the medication. The patient could have withdrawal symptoms that include stomach pain, headache, nausea, convulsions, or sleep problems when stopping the medication. It is not advised to stop taking soma suddenly. The physician will prescribe less and less dosages until the patient is off soma completely.

Do not use soma if allergic to carisoprodol or meprobamate (Equanil or Miltown). The physician may want to adjust the soma dosage in patients that have seizure disorders, and liver or kidney disease.