Carisoprodol
From PharmDatabase.org
Generic name: Carisoprodol
Brand names: Soma, Vanadom
Related Medical Conditions: Sprain, Strain
Related Groups: Muscle Relaxant
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What is Carisoprodol?
Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
Carisoprodol is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
Carisoprodol Usage and Dosage
Carisoprodol comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Always make sure that you take carisoprodol exactly as directed.
It is usually taken three times daily and at bedtime. It may be taken with or without food.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
The maximum amount of carisoprodol you should take in one day is 1,400 mg (4 tablets).
Carisoprodol Side Effects
Common side effects from carisoprodol may include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nervousness
- irritability
- inability to sleep
- depression
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- clumsiness
- insomnia
- headache
- fast heart rate
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- skin rash
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); paralysis (loss of feeling) or extreme weakness; loss of vision.
Other Drugs Interaction
Many drugs can increase the effects of carisoprodol, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others;
- narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
- sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal);
- phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine);
- antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Carisoprodol Storage
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 excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Remember to throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. If in doubt, please talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
