Brand Names: Soma, Vanadom

Generic Name: Carisoprodol (kar eye soe PROE dole)

What is carisoprodol?

Carisoprodol is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat injuries and other painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxer that works by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain.

Carisoprodol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Carisoprodol is taken orally. The usual adult dosage of Carisoprodol is one 350 mg tablet, three times daily and at bedtime. Usage in patients under age 12 is not recommended. It is recommended that you take Carisoprodol with food, or with milk, to minimize the likelihood that you will suffer an upset stomach as a result of taking the medication.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Carisoprodol if you have acute intermittent porphyria. Before taking Carisoprodol, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy. It is not known whether Carisoprodol will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Carisoprodol passes into breast milk. Do not take Carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Carisoprodol is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Missed Dose

If you miss a Carisoprodol 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 Carisoprodol dose to catch up.

Possible Side Effects

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

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Dispense in a tight container.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Carisoprodol overdose include low blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.

More Information

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Carisoprodol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Carisoprodol.

What does my medication look like?

Carisoprodol is available with a prescription under the brand name Soma. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.