Anyone who has experienced a back spasm can tell you just how intensely painful and debilitating they can be. Soma is a muscle relaxant medication used for the short-term treatment of muscle spasms and pain.
However, Soma is prescribed with great caution by doctors due to its habit-forming and addictive potential.
- Soma is a muscle relaxant used for the short-term treatment of painful muscle spasms or injuries. It should not be used for longer than 2 to 3 weeks.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. In rare cases, people may experience an allergic reaction or seizures.
- Soma is a habit-forming drug, and there is a risk of developing dependence and tolerance when misusing it.
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Understanding Carisoprodol (Soma)
Carisoprodol, sold under the brand name Soma, is a muscle relaxant used to relieve musculoskeletal pain. Soma may be beneficial for people who experience painful muscle spasms, strains, sprains, or muscle injuries. It is recommended that people taking Soma rest the injured area and undertake light physical therapy under the guidance of a professional. [1]
Healthcare professionals will only prescribe Soma for a maximum of 2 to 3 weeks. There is limited evidence of its effectiveness in long-term use, and the risk of dependence increases substantially beyond this period. [2]
How Soma works
The exact way in which Soma works to relieve intense muscle pain is unknown. However, we do know that Soma is a centrally acting muscle relaxant, meaning it blocks signaling between the brain and the muscles responsible for excessive and painful muscle spasms. [1]
The main active component of carisoprodol, a substance called meprobamate, is believed to act on GABA receptors. GABA plays a crucial role in the nervous system’s ‘brakes’, being responsible for inhibiting the actions of certain brain signaling pathways.[1]
Dosage and administration
Soma is prescribed for the ‘relief of acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions’. This means it is only given to treat short-term muscle pain resulting from an injury or strain. Soma is not prescribed to manage chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.[3]
People over the age of 16 can be prescribed 250-350 mg three times a day and at bedtime (totalling four daily doses). Soma can only be prescribed for a maximum of 2 to 3 weeks.[3]
Soma is available in 250 mg and 350 mg tablets and can be taken with or without food.[4]
Precautions with Soma use
There is a lack of high-quality studies into the use of Soma in some specific patient groups. As such, Soma should be used with caution in people:[4]
- Under the age of 16.
- Over 65.
- With liver or kidney impairment.
- Who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
People who are allergic to carisoprodol or meprobamate, or people who have a genetic disorder called porphyria, should not take this medication.[2]
Side effects and risks
The most common side effects experienced by people who take Soma include: [4]
- Drowsiness (13-17%).
- Dizziness (7-8%).
- Headache (3-5%).
Due to the increased risk of drowsiness, people who take Soma should exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery. Drinking alcohol should also be avoided. [2]
Rarely, people who take Soma may experience more severe adverse effects. Stop taking Soma immediately and contact your doctor if you experience: [2]
- Allergic reaction - airway swelling, difficulty breathing, and/or a hives rash.
- Seizures (convulsions).
Addiction potential and abuse
Soma is becoming increasingly misused, both as a result of recreational use and inappropriate long-term medicinal use. The active compound in Soma, meprobamate, is thought to contribute to its addictive potential due to the sedative and euphoric effects that some people experience when taking it. [5]
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), carisoprodol is one of the most commonly diverted medications from the pharmaceutical to the illicit market. The street price of Soma ranges from $1 to $5 per tablet. [6]
Recent case studies have demonstrated that the misuse of Soma can lead to a significant risk of: [5]
- Tolerance: requiring more and more of the drug to achieve the same effects
- Dependence: the physical or psychological need to have the drug regularly to function normally
- Withdrawal: experiencing distressing symptoms when no longer taking the substance
Soma overdose
Both accidental and intentional Soma overdoses are possible. Symptoms of Soma overdose include: [5]
- Movement disorders
- Severe headaches
- Respiratory distress
- Hallucinations
- Heart damage (cardiotoxicity)
- Death
If you suspect a Soma overdose, it is essential to receive immediate emergency medical attention. [5]Â
Soma controlled substance status
Soma is a Schedule IV controlled drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means it is illegal to sell, consume, possess, or manufacture without a valid prescription or license. [6]
Recognizing dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Substance addiction can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Signs of Soma dependence may include: [7]
- Needing more and more of the drug to achieve the same effects (tolerance).
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when no longer taking Soma.
- Continued use of Soma despite recognizing the problems caused by its use.
- Spending lots of time acquiring, using, and recovering from Soma use.
- Impact on the ability to receive an education or maintain employment.
- Pulliing away from friends and family.
With prolonged use, people who suddenly stop or dramatically reduce the dose of Soma may experience symptoms of withdrawal. Common withdrawal symptoms include: [1]
- Depression and anxiety.
- Hallucinations.
- Memory loss.
- Sleeplessness.
- Social withdrawal.
- Agitation and aggression.
Addiction treatment and recovery options
It is never too early to get help for Soma addiction. However, there has been little progress in the development of high-quality treatment options for people with Soma addiction. Current treatment approaches include: [5]
- Working with your healthcare professional to slowly taper the amount of Soma taken to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Brief courses of benzodiazepines or phenobarbital to treat insomnia and anxiety experienced during Soma withdrawal
- Supportive care in a hospital or rehabilitation clinic to manage severe symptoms of Soma withdrawal
- There is limited information about the use of talking therapies to treat the psychological symptoms of Soma dependence. However, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown benefit in the holistic treatment of other addictions.
For more information on rehabilitation providers near you, take a look at our rehab clinic directory.
Preventing misuse and safe use tips
When taken as directed, Soma can be a helpful medication for managing short-term muscle pain. The following tips can help manage the risk of dependence and overdose:
- Explore options such as simple pain relief (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) and physical therapy before trying Soma.
- Only take Soma as prescribed by a healthcare professional, for the shortest possible time (a maximum of 2 to 3 weeks).
- Never take a prescription medication that a medical professional has not authorized.
- Do not consume alcohol when taking Soma.
- Do not take Soma if you have a history of substance misuse.
- Seek support from your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your Soma use or the impact of side effects.
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