Soma, the brand name for Carisoprodol, is a popular muscle relaxant prescribed often to relieve pain. The analgesic and muscle relaxation properties of Carisoprodol are used to relieve back pain and in the short-term treatment of painful acute musculoskeletal disorders.
In addition to relieving muscle pain, Carisoprodol creates a sense of relaxation, sedation, and mild euphoria, and many people who abuse it become addicted. Soma is mostly misused for its calming properties, and chronic abuse can lead to physical dependence.
Carisoprodol Abuse and Addiction
According to a recent review of substance abuse, Carisoprodol can be addictive, similar to sedatives and benzodiazepines. Many Soma users take the drug themselves in high doses to maximize the effect or mix it with opioids or narcotics. As it amplifies the effect of other sedating and analgesic medications, it can be abused with other medicines without a prescription.
Many people become addicted to Carisoprodol after being prescribed it by a doctor to treat a ruptured limb or other muscle pain. In fact, the combination of Xanax, Vicodin, and Soma abuse often begins when people have prescribed these drugs for severe trauma (such as a car accident), Xanax for anxiety, and Vicodin for pain or Soma as a muscle relaxant.
Carisoprodol abuse can lead to severe consequences as addiction to this drug can severely affect the quality of life & wellness of the person suffering through it.
Signs & Symptoms of Carisoprodol Abuse and Addiction
- If a person is addicted to Carisoprodol, check for these significant symptoms of abuse:
- Poor physical coordination, loss of balance.
- Flushing of the skin.
- Agitation when not taking the drug.
- Euphoric or drunk demeanor.
Effects of Carisoprodol Abuse and Addiction
Those who are struggling with carisoprodol addiction may find themselves experiencing a range of side effects. Some of the effects may occur immediately, while others after continuation of the drug. The effects may include:
- Impairment of physical or mental capabilities.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Increase in heart rate.
- Tremors.
- Seizures
- Rebound anxiety and/or insomnia.
Treating Carisoprodol Addiction
If your healthcare physician believes that you’ve become addicted to Carisoprodol & you are willing to stop using the drug, your doctor will instruct you to taper the dosage. Tapering off the dosage rather than stopping it suddenly can lower the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. It takes almost a week to completely taper off Carisoprodol.
At present, there are no FDA- approved medications to treat addiction to muscle relaxants like Carisoprodol. For treating this type of addiction, talk therapy is considered an effective method. Group or individual therapy, self-help & support groups are also regarded as helpful in recovering from carisoprodol addiction.
During carisoprodol rehab, patients work closely with addiction treatment professionals like psychologists, medical doctors, nurses, recovery specialists & professional counselors. Throughout the soma rehab program, patients are engaged in various forms of evidence-based treatments, like:
- Educational lectures
- Recovery programming
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy/program
- Life skills development
- Specialized therapies like music or art therapy
Different methods of behavioral therapy have been considered effective in treating addiction. However, if a person is addicted to a prescription drug like Carisoprodol, it is always recommended to consult a treatment center. If the person is suffering from prolonged, severe addiction, getting treatment from a rehabilitation center is best.
References
- Sikdar, S., Basu, D., Malhotra, A.K., Varma, V.K. and Mattoo, S.K., 1993. Carisoprodol abuse: a report from India. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 88(4), pp.302-303. Available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1993.tb03462.x Accessed on 31/08/2021
- Vo, K.T., Horng, H., Smollin, C.G. and Benowitz, N.L., 2017. Severe carisoprodol withdrawal After a 14-year addiction and acute overdose. The Journal of emergency medicine, 52(5), pp.680-683. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0736467916310034 Accessed on 31/08/2021
