What is Carisoprodol?

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxer that blocks the pain signals between the brain and the nerves. It has two "level names" Soma and Vanadom, but is most generally known as Soma, which is Latin for "body".

You're commonly prescribed this medication when you have a muscle injury that is having spasms, along with physical therapy. There are the usual cautions about it being addictive but let's face it anything that will relive pain could become addictive, that includes aspirin. The difference with Carisoprodol is that physical dependence can come if it is used over a long period of time.

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Carisoprodol a muscle relaxant is used with rest, physical therapy, and additional measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and irritation caused by strains, and other muscle injuries. This medicine is occasionally prescribed for other uses; ask your physician or druggist for more info.

How should this medication be used?

Carisoprodol comes as a tablet to take orally. It is normally taken three times daily and at bedtime. It can be taken with or without food. Follow the instructions on your prescription label cautiously, and ask your physician or druggist to explain any part you don't understand. Consume carisoprodol exactly as directed. Don't take more or less of it or take it more frequently than prescribed by your physician.

What particular precautions should you follow?

Before consuming carisoprodol,

Tell your physician and druggist if you are allergic to carisoprodol, meprobamate (Equanil, Meprospan, Miltown, Neuramate), or any another drugs.

Tell your physician and druggist what prescription and nonprescription medications you're taking, particularly medications for allergies, coughs, or colds; muscle relaxants; sedatives; sleeping tablet; tranquilizers; and vitamins.

Tell your physician if you've or have ever had kidney or liver disease.

Tell your physician if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. If you become pregnant while consuming carisoprodol, call your physician.

You should recognize that this drug could make you drowsy. Don't drive a car or operate machinery until you recognize how carisoprodol affects you.

Remember that alcohol could add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What particular dietary instructions should you follow?

Carisoprodol could cause indigestion. Take carisoprodol with food or milk.

What side effects could this medicine cause?

Carisoprodol could cause side effects. Tell your physician if any of these symptoms are severe or don't go away:

Headache
Fast heart rate
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Skin rash
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Clumsiness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

Difficulty in breathing
Fever
Weakness
Burning in the eyes

If you go through a serious side effect, you or your physician could send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)

What should you do if you forget to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and stay on your regular dosing schedule. Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What should you do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has tumbled or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What storage conditions are needed for this medication?
Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and inaccessible to children. Store it at room temperature and away from moisture and heat (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medicine that is outdated or no more needed. Talk to your druggist about the proper disposal of your medicine.

What other information should you know?

Keep all appointments with your physician.
Don't let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your druggist any doubts you've about refilling your prescription.

It is crucial for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over the counter) medicines you are consuming, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you each time you visit a physician or if you're admitted to a hospital. It is also crucial info to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Seomul Evans is a copywriter with an interest in: Search Marketing Services, Medical Drugs, and Carisoprodol.