home > drugs a-z list > soma compound (carisoprodol and aspirin) drug center > soma compound (carisoprodol and aspirin) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type with stool softener).

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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, fainting, hearing problems, difficult/painful swallowing, difficult urination, fast heartbeat, change in the amount/color of urine, easy bleeding/bruising.

Sometimes carisoprodol may cause a very rare but serious reaction that occurs within minutes or hours of the first dose of this medication. Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur: unable to move arms/legs, shaky/unsteady movement, loss of balance, joint pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, unexplained mood swings), vision problems (e.g., blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision), extreme weakness.

The aspirin in this product may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) bleeding in the stomach/intestines. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these rare but very serious side effects: severe stomach/abdominal pain, black/bloody/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, unexplained weight loss.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to carisoprodol, codeine, or aspirin; or to related medications such as meprobamate, tybamate, other narcotics such as hydrocodone, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or other salicylates such as salsalate; 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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding/blood clotting problems, certain genetic blood disorder (porphyria), severe breathing problems, serious stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, bleeding, blockage), intoxication with alcohol or medications that depress the nervous system or your breathing (CNS/respiratory depressants such as tranquilizers/sedatives).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal gland problem (e.g., Addison's disease), brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), personal/family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, gallbladder disease, gout, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), heart problems (e.g., fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), mental/mood disorders (e.g., toxic psychosis), disease of the pancreas (e.g., pancreatitis), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), other stomach problems (e.g., acid-reflux disease, heartburn), difficulty urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate or urethral narrowing), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

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.

To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This medication contains aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness without first consulting a doctor about Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially slow/shallow breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, and stomach/intestinal bleeding.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.