- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Soma ....GENERIC NAME(S): Carisoprodol
Uses: Carisoprodol is used short-term to treat muscle pain and discomfort. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments. It works by helping to relax the muscles.
**Please read this information carefully** If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
GENERIC NAME(S): CARISOPRODOL
Uses
Carisoprodol is used short-term to treat muscle pain and discomfort. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments. It works by helping to relax the muscles.
How to use carisoprodol
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as stomach cramps, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 2 to 3 weeks or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Dizziness, drowsiness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: confusion.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
CARISOPRODOL Side Effects List:carisoprodol side effects by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with carisoprodol:
Common side effects of carisoprodol: ·
Drowsiness Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of carisoprodol: ·
Blood Pressure Drop Upon StandingSevere
· Bronchospasm Severe
· Fast Heartbeat Severe
· Feeling FaintSevere
· Hives Severe
· Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy Severe
· Itching Severe
· Rash Severe
· Wheezing Severe
· Chronic Trouble SleepingLess Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
· Head Pain Less Severe
· Hiccups Less Severe
· Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
· Irritation of the Stomach or Intestines Less Severe
· Nervous Less Severe
· Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
Rare side effects of carisoprodol:
Acquired Decrease of All Cells in the Blood Severe
· Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
· Depression Severe
· Erythema Multiforme Severe
· Fever caused by Administration of a Drug Severe
· Giant Hives Severe
· Increased Eosinophils in the Blood Severe
· Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
· Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
· Seizures Severe
· Blurred Vision Less Severe
· Double Vision Less Severe
· Easily Angered or Annoyed Less Severe
· Feeling Restless Less Severe
· Inducing of a Relaxed Easy State Less Severe
· Problems with Eyesight Less Severe
· Unsteady Walking Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking carisoprodol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to meprobamate, tybamate, or mebutamate; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain blood disorder (acute intermittent porphyria), kidney disease, liver disease, seizure, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, or confusion. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.
This medication is not recommended for use during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. During the last 6 months of pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, meprobamate, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness/dizziness, seizures, slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), inability to move your legs/arms, shaky/unsteady movement, vision changes (such as blurred vision).
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised November 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.