What Is Carisoprodol (Soma)?

Potential Side Effects

This medication seems to have similar side effects to other muscle relaxants. Some of them may include dizziness, drowsiness, and lethargy. Individuals who take this medication also seem to deal with side effects related to digestion, such as an upset stomach. Nausea, gas, and vomiting may also occur. A patient's mood may also change as a result of this medication. Individuals should watch for irritability, depression, and nervousness. Insomnia, blurred vision, hiccups, and headaches also seem to be common side effects of this medication.

Patients may become dependent on this medication. This seems to be why doctors limit prescriptions to a few weeks only. Carisoprodol may also cause withdrawal in some patients when they stop taking it, especially for longer periods. It also appears to accumulate in breast milk, so breastfeeding women may not be able to take it. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be enough research on how it affects pregnant women.

Discover precautions linked to this medication next.

Precautions

As mentioned, patients may become dependent on this medication. Thus, doctors do not seem to recommend taking it for more than three weeks. Patients may also need to stop taking this medication under the supervision of a doctor and over time. This appears to help them avoid severe withdrawal, the effects of which may be dangerous.

Alcohol seems to increase drowsiness and the relaxing effects of this medication, so patients may want to avoid drinking it. As mentioned, nursing mothers may also need to be cautious since it may build in their breast milk. Patients may not be able to skip doses or take extra ones. Not following their doctor's instructions, including those, seem to increase their risk of side effects and dependence.

Reveal the possible medication interactions next.