Soma, the brand name of the generic drug carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxer that works by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. It is a prescription medication used to treat musculoskeletal pain caused by strains, sprains and spasms. Soma does not heal the muscle injury but only helps to decrease pain caused by the injury. Drugs.com reports that the medication has several possible side effects.
Dependency, Withdrawal and Abuse
PDR Health reports that long-term use of Soma is associated with dependency and abuse of the drug; this is most commonly seen among patients who have a history of addiction to drugs, but may occur in anyone who takes Soma for an extended period of time. Because of the risk for dependency, RXList recommends that Soma not be taken for longer than two to three weeks. Patients who take Soma for longer periods of time should not abruptly stop taking the drug due to the potential for drug withdrawal symptoms. According to PDR Health, withdrawal symptoms include stomach pain, sleeplessness, headache, nausea or seizures. Patients who have taken Soma for longer periods of time should be weaned off the drug under the direct supervision of a physician, and should not attempt to stop the drug on their own.
Seizures
According to PDR Health, Soma has caused seizures in some patients. RXList notes that most of these seizures occurred when Soma was used with other drugs, including prescription and illegal drugs, and/or alcohol. Soma should be used with caution in patients who have a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
Central Nervous System Depression
PDR Health reports that Soma may impair the mental and physical abilities needed to drive a car or operate dangerous machinery. Such activities should be avoided while taking this drug. Also, the use of alcohol while taking Soma will impair mental and physical abilities even further. RXList adds that the sedative effects of Soma, such as drowsiness and inability to concentrate, may be more severe if Soma is taken along with other medications that have similar side effects.
