Carisoprodol
Conditions Treated
Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Possible Side Effects
What Side Effects Can This Cause?
Carisoprodol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- clumsiness
- headache
- fast heart rate
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- skin rash
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- fever
- weakness
- burning in the eyes
Usage Instructions
How Should This Medication Be Used
Carisoprodol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times daily and at bedtime. It may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take carisoprodol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow
Carisoprodol may cause an upset stomach. Take carisoprodol with food or milk.
Are There Any Special Instructions
Before taking carisoprodol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to carisoprodol, meprobamate (Equanil, Meprospan, Miltown, Neuramate), or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for allergies, coughs, or colds; muscle relaxants; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how carisoprodol affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Brand Names
Common Brand Names for This Medication
- Soma®
- Soprodal®
- Vanadom®
- Soma Compound® (as a combination product containing Aspirin, Carisoprodol)
- Soma Compound with Codeine® (as a combination product containing Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine)
Overdose
What To Do In The Case of Emergency
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Forgotten Doses
What Should I Do If I Forget 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 continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Information
What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from moisture and heat (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What Other Information Should I Know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.