Brand Names: Soma, Vanadom

Generic Name: carisoprodol (Pronunciation: kar eye soe PROE dole)

• What is carisoprodol (Soma)?
• What are the possible side effects of carisoprodol (Soma)?
• What is the most important information I should know about carisoprodol (Soma)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carisoprodol (Soma)?
• How should I take carisoprodol (Soma)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Soma)?
• What happens if I overdose (Soma)?
• What should I avoid while taking carisoprodol (Soma)?
• What other drugs will affect carisoprodol (Soma)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is carisoprodol (Soma)?

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.

Carisoprodol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Carisoprodol 350 mg-DAN

round, white, imprinted with DAN, 5513

Carisoprodol 350 mg-MUT

round, white, imprinted with MP 58

Carisoprodol 350 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 5513, DAN

Carisoprodol 350 mg-WES

round, white, imprinted with WW 176

What are the possible side effects of carisoprodol (Soma)?

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.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, tremor;
• headache;
• depression, feeling irritable;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• nausea, vomiting, hiccups, upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Soma (carisoprodol) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about carisoprodol (Soma)?

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.