WHAT IS Soma/Carisoprodol?

• Carisoprodol/Soma is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.
• Carisoprodol/Soma is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
• Carisoprodol/Soma may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Symptoms of a carisoprodol/Soma overdose include low blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.
• Seek emergency medical attention.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Soma/Carisoprodol?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Carisoprodol/Soma may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking carisoprodol/Soma .

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE Soma/Carisoprodol?

• It is not known whether carisoprodol/Soma will harm an unborn baby. Do not take carisoprodol/Soma without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Before taking carisoprodol/Soma , tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.
• Do not take carisoprodol/Soma if you have acute intermittent porphyria.
• Carisoprodol/Soma is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.
• It is also not known whether carisoprodol/Soma passes into breast milk. Do not take carisoprodol/Soma without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Soma/Carisoprodol?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking carisoprodol/Soma and seek emergency medical attention:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • agitation or tremor.
  • vision loss; or
  • paralysis (loss of feeling) or extreme weakness;
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take carisoprodol/Soma and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • headache;
  • depression;
  • blurred vision;
  • hiccups.
  • insomnia; or
  • drowsiness or dizziness;
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Try to keep your doses at least 4 hours apart.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Soma/Carisoprodol?

• The maximum amount of carisoprodol/Soma you should take in one day is 1,400 mg (4 tablets).
• Store carisoprodol/Soma at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Take carisoprodol/Soma exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH Soma/Carisoprodol?

• omeprazole/Prilosec
• medicines for seizures (convulsions) or epilepsy
• isoniazid (INH)
• alcohol
• medicines for pain
• medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• voriconazole
• medicines for sleep
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety, or emotional disturbances
• modafinil
• cimetidine
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital
• medicines for HIV or AIDS
• other muscle relaxants

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.