Drug Name
Soma (Carisoprodol)
Drug Uses
Soma is a muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain and stiffness of muscle spasms and discomfort due to strain and sprain.
How Taken
The usual adult dosage of soma 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 Soma with food, or with milk, to minimize the likelihood that you will suffer an upset stomach as a result of taking the medication.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Soma is a muscle relaxant. It acts by blocking electrical communication among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord.
Missed Dose
If you miss a Soma 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 Soma dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature 15 - 30 degrees C (59 degrees F). Dispense in a tight container.
Warnings/Precautions
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.
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.
