Soma is the trade name for the prescription medication carisoprodol. Soma is only approved for use in adults and should only be used for short periods no longer than two or three weeks at a time. Soma was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1959 and has been studied extensively in clinical trials and post-marketing research. Soma has proven generally safe and effective, but it may cause side effects ranging from mild to serious, especially when taken in combination with other medications.
Desired Effects
Soma is effective at treating acute musculoskeletal back pain. According to Drugs.com, Soma is taken in 350-mg tablets up to three times per day and once at bedtime. Soma tablets are typically more effective at treating lower back pain and have an effective duration of between 2 and 4 hours. In the January 2004 issue of "Drug and Alcohol Dependence," Dr. Jorgen Bramness and associates state that Soma is effective at relieving muscle pain and relaxing muscle spasms because of its possible effect on the major inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, a central nervous system depressant.
Common Side Effects
Soma also causes several side effects. According to Drugs.com, the most common side effect observed in clinical studies is drowsiness, occurring in 17 percent of patients. Seven percent of patients have experienced dizziness, while another 3 percent have experienced headache. Other side effects include cardiovascular events such as irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and pooling of blood in the face. Nervous system effects include loss of balance, spinning sensations, agitation, irritability, depression, fainting and insomnia. Patients have also experienced gastrointestinal problems including nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.
Precautions and Warnings
Patients taking Soma may experience negative effects more serious than typical side effects. According to Drugs.com, up to 17 percent of patients have experienced sedation to the point where it may cause serious physical or mental impairment. In the study by Dr. Jorgen Bramness and associates, Soma was found to cause serious driving impairment. If taken for periods longer than 2 to 3 weeks, Soma may lead to dependence, abuse and withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are more severe when the Soma is discontinued abruptly. Patients should taper off over a few days in order to prevent relapse or withdrawal symptoms that may interfere with daily life. Seizures have been reported, but most cases have involved multiple drugs being combined with Soma. To prevent any negative drug reactions, patients should inform their physician of any other drugs they are taking.
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