Soma is a medication that is used to relieve the pain of injuries that occur to the muscles such as sprains, strains or spasms. This muscle relaxer is most commonly used in combination with one or more other treatments such as physical therapy, anti inflammatory medicines and plenty of rest.
Soma is known by the brand names of Soma and Vanadom as well as the generic name of carisoprodol.
Soma works to relax the muscles and relieve the pain by blocking the feelings of pain by blocking this feeling from being relayed from the nerves of the body to the brain; this medication is referred to as a centrally acting muscle relaxant because it works primarily on the nerves. It is also suggested that Soma may work by calming the nervous system.
If you are allergic to carisoprodol or meprobamate also known as Equanil or Miltown you should not take Soma. You should also not take Soma if you have porphyria. Before beginning use of this medication it is important to notify your health care provider of any medical allergies as well as if you have any of the following conditions such as:
If you are affected by any of these conditions it may be possible to change the dosage of Soma in order to use it safely.
Soma like any other medication should only be used by the person it is originally prescribed for. It should not be used by anyone who has had issues with any type of drug abuse or addiction because it may be habit forming. Persons who stop using this medication may experience withdrawal symptoms especially after use for an extended period of time. It is usually recommended that you stop taking this medication gradually rather than just stopping all at once and should never be used by anyone who is younger than 12 years of age.
It is very important that Soma be taken exactly as prescribed. You should not take larger or more frequent amounts. Soma should also be taken with a full glass of water and stored away from heat or dampness.
Never take extra doses if you miss one. Take the missed one as soon as you remember however if it is almost time for the next dose simply skip the one you missed and get back on schedule with the next regular dose. If you should overdose seek immediate medical attention. Some symptoms that may indicate an overdose of this medication include the following:
It may be possible for other medications to affect the efficiency of Soma so it is important to let your doctor know about any other medications you may be using. This includes over the counter and prescription medications. To get more information about the use and effects of Soma you can discuss this medication with your pharmacist or other health care professional.