Soma (Carisoprodol)

Soma is used, along with rest, physical therapy, and other measures, for the relief of acute, painful muscle strains and spasms.

ADULTS The usual dosage of Soma is one 350-milligram tablet, taken 3 times daily and at bedtime. CHILDREN The safety and effectiveness of this drug have not been established in children under 12 years of age.

Soma is a muscle relaxant. It acts by blocking electrical communication among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord.

If you miss a Soma dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not 'double-up' the Soma dose to catch up.

Store at controlled room temperature 15 - 30 degrees C (59 degrees F). Dispense in a tight container.

Do not take Soma if you have acute intermittent porphyria. Before taking Soma, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.

Do not take Soma without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Soma passes into breast milk.

Do not take Soma without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Soma is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Soma may cause dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, tremor, agitation, irritability, headache, depressive reactions, syncope, and insomnia.

Allergic or idiosyncratic reactions occasionally develop. They are usually seen within the period of the first to fourth dose in patients having had no previous contact with the drug.

Skin rash, erythema multiforme, pruritus, eosinophilia, and fixed drug eruption with cross reaction to meprobamate have been reported with Soma.

Severe reactions have been manifested by asthmatic episodes, fever, weakness, dizziness, angioneurotic edema, smarting eyes, hypotension, and anaphylactoid shock.

Soma can also be used together with rest and physical therapy to treat injuries and other painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Soma alone will not heal your muscles. You need to follow the program of physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor prescribes. Do not attempt any more physical activity than your doctor recommends, even though Soma temporarily makes it seem feasible.