1. Carisoprodol Relaxes Muscles and Relieves Pain
Carisoprodol, which is the generic name for Soma, is a prescription muscle relaxer used to treat pain usually associated with the muscle discomfort from strains, sprains or other injuries. However, your doctor may prescribe this medication for other purposes and in conjunction with rest or physical therapy. Carisoprodol also comes in two compound forms: one contains aspirin, and another contains aspirin and codeine.
2. How Much Should I Take?
The short answer is however much your doctor tells you to take. But the usual dosage for carisoprodol is one tablet four times per day, with the last dose taken at bedtime. Dosing may be different if you take one of the compound drugs. If you forget to take a dose, don't double up on your next dose. Just skip the dose and resume the normal dosing. It's a good idea to keep the number of the National Capital Poison Denter handy in case of an accidental overdose: (800) 222-1222. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets. Never share your prescription medications with anyone else.
3. Temporary Unwanted Side Effects
Medications may cause side effects, and often it's about weighing the benefit of the drug against the side effects. Some people don't have any side effects or only a few. With this type of muscle relaxer, you might experience drowsiness, dizziness, headache, a rapid heartbeat, clumsiness or stomach upset. Take carisoprodol with food or milk to ease an upset stomach. These side effects should dissipate, but if they do not go away or get worse, call your doctor. Symptoms that are severe and for which you should contact your doctor immediately are fever, weakness, difficulty breathing or a burning sensation in your eyes.
4. Tips to Reduce Side Effects
Get up slowly if you feel dizzy when taking this muscle relaxer. Since carisoprodol can make you drowsy, avoid any other medications that also make you drowsy and alcohol. Also, be careful driving until you know how you react to this muscle relaxer. Check the labels of over-the-counter drugs because many can cause drowsiness. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist. Although you can take carisoprodol without food, taking it with food or milk might help if it cause stomach upset.
5. Your Doctor Needs to Know
Your doctor and pharmacist should always know all medications you're taking, including herbs and over-the-counter medications. However, if your doctor wants to prescribe carisoprodol, be sure to tell him about certain medical conditions, past or present. He needs to know if you have a history of asthma, alcohol or drug dependency, liver or kidney problems, or a seizure disorder. Also tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant or are nursing.
