SOMA (carisoprodol) Tablets are available as 250 mg and 350 mg round, white tablets. Carisoprodol is a white, crystalline powder, having a mild, characteristic odor and a bitter taste. It is slightly soluble in water; freely soluble in alcohol, in chloroform, and in acetone; and its solubility is practically independent of pH. Carisoprodol is present as a racemic mixture. Chemically, carisoprodol is N-isopropyl-2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate and the molecular formula is C12H24N2O4 , with a molecular weight of 260.33. The structural formula is:
Other ingredients in the SOMA drug product include alginic acid, magnesium stearate, potassium sorbate, starch, and tribasic calcium phosphate.
Who should not take Soma?
- Do not take Soma if you have acute intermittent porphyria.
- Before taking Soma, 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 Soma will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Soma without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is also not known whether Soma passes into breast milk. Do not take Soma without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Soma is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.
How should I take Soma?
- 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. Store Soma at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Try to keep your doses at least 4 hours apart.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a Soma overdose include low blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking Soma?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Soma 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 Soma.
What are the possible side effects of Soma (Carisoprodol)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using carisoprodol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- paralysis (loss of feeling)
- extreme weakness or lack of coordination
- feeling light-headed, fainting
- fast heartbeat
- seizure (convulsions)
- vision loss; or
- agitation, confusion
Continue using carisoprodol and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
- drowsiness, dizziness, tremor
- headache
- depression, feeling irritable
- blurred vision
- sleep problems (insomnia); or
- nausea, vomiting, hiccups, upset stomach
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What drug(s) may interact with Soma?
- alcohol
- barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital
- cimetidine
- isoniazid (INH)
- medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
- medicines for HIV or AIDS
- medicines for mental depression, anxiety, or emotional disturbances
- medicines for pain
- medicines for seizures (convulsions) or epilepsy
- medicines for sleep
- modafinil
- omeprazole
- other muscle relaxants
- rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
- voriconazole
What is the shelf life of the pills?
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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