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Carisoprodol®
Generic Name: carisoprodol
Brand Names: Soma, Vanadom
Also see:
Allegra
Clarinex Claritin
D Cyclobenzaprine Flexeril Flextra
DS
Skelaxin Soma
Zanaflex
Clarinex-D Claritin
Crixivan
Drug
Uses
Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant used to
relieve the pain and stiffness of muscle spasms and discomfort due to strain and
sprain.
How
Taken
Carisoprodol is taken orally. The usual
adult dosage of Carisoprodol is one 350 mg tablet, three times daily and at
bedtime. Usage in patients under age 12 is not recommended. It is recommended
that you take Carisoprodol with food, or with milk, to minimize the likelihood
that you will suffer an upset stomach as a result of taking the medication.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Carisoprodol if you have acute
intermittent porphyria. Before taking Carisoprodol, tell your doctor if you have
kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during
your therapy. It is not known whether Carisoprodol will harm an unborn baby. Do
not take Carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether Carisoprodol passes into breast milk. Do not take
Carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. Carisoprodol is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of
age.
Missed Dose
If you miss a Carisoprodol dose, take it
as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember
until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
'double-up' the Carisoprodol dose to catch up.
Possible Side Effects
Carisoprodol may cause dizziness, vertigo,
ataxia, tremor, agitation, irritability, headache, depressive reactions,
syncope, and insomnia. Allergic or idiosyncratic reactions occasionally develop.
They are usually seen within the period of the first to fourth dose in patients
having had no previous contact with the drug. Skin rash, erythema multiforme,
pruritus, eosinophilia, and fixed drug eruption with cross reaction to
meprobamate have been reported with Carisoprodol. Severe reactions have been
manifested by asthmatic episodes, fever, weakness, dizziness, angioneurotic
edema, smarting eyes, hypotension, and anaphylactoid shock.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature
15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Dispense in a tight container.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms
of a Carisoprodol overdose include low blood pressure (weakness, fainting,
confusion), decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.
More Information
Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Carisoprodol may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and
dizziness while you are taking Carisoprodol.
Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxer that works by
blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain.
Carisoprodol is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat injuries
and other painful musculoskeletal conditions.
This medication may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for. Carisoprodol should never be given to another person,
especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the
medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. You may have
withdrawal symptoms when you stop using carisoprodol after using it over a long
period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking
to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication
completely. Carisoprodol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or
reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake
and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness
caused by carisoprodol.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to carisoprodol or meprobamate (Equanil,
Miltown), or if you have porphyria.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs,
or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not
be able to use carisoprodol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special
tests during treatment.
This medication may be habit-forming
and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for.
Carisoprodol should never be given to another
person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep
the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. You may have
withdrawal symptoms when you stop using carisoprodol after using it over a long
period of time. Withdrawal symptoms include stomach pain, sleep problems,
headache, nausea, and seizure (convulsions). Do not stop using this medication
suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less
before you stop the medication completely. This medication may be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment. It is not known whether carisoprodol passes into breast milk
or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling
your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a
child younger than 12 years old..
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the
medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your
doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take each dose with a
full glass of water.
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