The term “muscle relaxer” is used to describe the group of medications that act on the central nervous system as a depressive, sedative, or musculoskeletal relaxant. Carisoprodol is one of the potent muscle relaxants used to relieve the pain and stiffness caused by acute bone and muscle injuries.
For better results, medicine should be used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles that have been strained or sprained due to muscle injuries.
Carisoprodol is sold under the generic name Painosoma and brand name soma for musculoskeletal pain. It’s a skeletal muscle relaxant chemically related to meprobamate. The drug is used to treat muscle spasms and pain in musculoskeletal disorders.
Though Soma is not effective for long-term use, it may be prescribed to patients with acute skeletal injuries. However, the drug should only be used on a short-term basis.
Mechanism of Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant that blocks pain sensations in nerves and the brain. It is an oral muscle relaxant that works by altering communication among nerves in parts of the brain that control the sensation of pain. It is used along with physical therapy to treat disorders of the skeletal muscles such as pain and injuries.
Drug interactions of Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol interacts with drugs that slow the process of the brain like alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines & narcotics. Combining soma with alcohol and other sedative drugs, including opioids such as codeine may lead to undue effects on the central nervous system.
Carisoprodol and Soma are useful in combination with paracetamol (aspirin) and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the short-term treatment of acute musculoskeletal disorders. A combination of muscle relaxants and analgesics is well-tolerated with a low rate of toxicity.
Dosage of Carisoprodol
The medication is available in 250 mg or 350 mg tablets. A combination of 200 mg of carisoprodol & 325 mg of aspirin is also available. The usual recommended dose is 325 mg & should not be exceeded by more than four times a day. Carisoprodol may be used for 2-3 weeks with dosages of about 1400 mg/day, depending on the patient’s need.
Unlike other muscle relaxants, Carisoprodol has tranquilizing effects when taken with depressants or alcohol. In order to avoid the withdrawal symptom, carisoprodol should be discontinued gradually if it has been used for a longer time.
Side effects of Carisoprodol
As a muscle relaxant, carisoprodol can cause various unintended side effects. Soma and other medication that makes you drowsy or slows your breathing can cause dangerous side effects.
Some of the frequent side effects of carisoprodol are ataxia, tremor, irritability, drowsiness, confusion, insomnia & disorientation. For occasional patients, there are chances that they may experience tachycardia and post hypotension.
Some of the serious side effects of Carisoprodol:
- Hives
- Serious allergic reactions
- Seizures
- Abuse
- Low blood pressure
Patients may become dependent on Carisoprodol & discontinuation may result in withdrawal symptoms.
Carisoprodol Abuse and Treatment
Many people become addicted to carisoprodol after being prescribed by a doctor to treat a muscle injury or other muscle pain. People often misuse the drug for its relaxing and calming effect.
The likelihood of becoming dependent on prescription drugs increases when they are misused: if people try to treat muscle pain themselves, take higher doses than prescribed, or take the medication in a different way than intended, they are more likely to be dependent on the drug.
It is always recommended to consult your healthcare physician before taking opioids, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or medication for anxiety or seizures. Carisoprodol is an abused drug, and you should be aware of this before taking your medication without a prescription. While carisoprodol can be drug abuse, you should be aware of taking your medication without a prescription.
References
Robertson, M.D. and Marinetti, L.J., 2003. Carisoprodol-effects on human performance and behavior. Forensic science review, 15(1), pp.3-9. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Laureen-Marinetti/publication/267197800_Carisoprodol_-_Effects_on_Human_Performance_and_Behavior/links/572a0df108ae057b0a07870d/Carisoprodol-Effects-on-Human-Performance-and-Behavior.pdf Accessed on 31/08/2021
