Carisoprodol Side Effects (Soma) Common, Serious And Long-Term

Common concerns include safety, possible side effects, and possible outcomes of taking a muscle relaxant prescription for pain relief for you or a loved one. At Alpas Wellness, we are committed to working with patients and families to understand the physical pain and to provide compassionate, clear information during recovery and healing.

Carisoprodol (Soma) works well for treating short-term muscle pain. However, it comes with some risks. Our resource guide on carisoprodol side effects is designed to help you become aware of your potential experience [1] while taking carisoprodol, including some common side-effects, warning signs of serious reactions, and possible long-term side-effects, using easy-to-understand language and a compassionate approach to your needs.

What Is Carisoprodol (Soma), and Why Would a Physician Prescribe It?

Carisoprodol is an oral muscle relaxant medication used to relieve discomfort caused by muscle spasms or injuries. It is used to treat acute musculoskeletal pain on a short-term basis in conjunction with other methods of treatment, including physical therapy, supportive devices, and rest. Carisoprodol may be used as part of a complete treatment plan [2] for acute musculoskeletal pain, along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

As with any medication that affects the central nervous system (CNS), sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and coordination issues are general concerns. Therefore, being mindful of carisoprodol’s effects can help explain why certain patients [1] may report drowsiness or unsteady walking after taking the medication.

Carisoprodol is not meant to be taken on a long-term basis or to manage chronic pain; the majority of prescribing guidelines limit the duration of carisoprodol [3] to about two to three weeks.

What Are the Side Effects Associated With Carisoprodol?

Carisoprodol side effects will vary from person to person, and in many cases, the mild ones will diminish over time. However, some will require immediate medical attention.

Common Side Effects

Common carisoprodol side effects include:

• Drowsiness/unusual sleepiness: This may be noticed by someone struggling to stay awake [4] or wanting to take a nap after working all day.
• Lightheadedness/dizziness: This may cause someone to feel unsteady or hold onto furniture or a railing when standing.
• Headaches: These may range from feeling just a little bit of pressure to experiencing a continuous nagging pain.
• Nausea/vomiting: This is typically due to an upset stomach [2].
• Heart palpitations: Your heart beating in an unusual way, such as very fast, irregular beat, or pounding

For most patients, the mild carisoprodol side effects will reduce as the body adjusts to using the medication, but if they persist or worsen, please contact your physician immediately.

Serious Carisoprodol Side Effects That Require Urgent Medical Attention

Some patients will experience a severe side effect that requires immediate medical assistance. According to the Mayo Clinic, if a patient experiences difficulty breathing [4] or exhibits signs of respiratory depression (decreased rate of, or shallow breathing), a seizure, or a serious allergic reaction, get immediate medical help.

If you notice signs of an extreme allergic reaction in someone who has taken carisoprodol, please check for the following:

• Hives
• Swelling of face and neck areas, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty swallowing

911 Emergency Number – Should I Call for Help or Contact My Prescriber?

• Call emergency 911 services if a patient is experiencing breathing difficulties, seizures [1], or has collapsed.
• Call your prescribing physician for immediate assistance with continuing confusion or worsening carisoprodol-related side effects that have not improved.

Long-Term Side Effects of Carisoprodol

Long-term understanding of carisoprodol side effects is critical for patients who have received prescriptions for carisoprodol longer than the usual short-term use of the medication.

Is It Safe to Use Over the Long Term?
The answer is that carisoprodol is generally considered to not be safe for long-term use. Many published clinical references recommend only the short-term treatment of carisoprodol, limiting this use [3] to approximately 2-3 weeks.

Risk of Developing Dependence, Misuse, and Experiencing Withdrawal

Carisoprodol is classified as a controlled substance [5] due to its potential for affecting the body in ways that may lead to becoming physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. This can occur if the user is affected by the administration and its effects for over 2-3 weeks.

Developing a dependence on carisoprodol is different from developing an addiction, the latter being characterized by compulsively using the substance even though it creates psychological or physical harm to the user or adverse consequences to the user’s life. Patients who stop taking carisoprodol after using it for a prolonged time period [6] without medical supervision can experience withdrawal symptoms that include:

• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Body jerks (tremors)
• Nausea

Most doctors will create an individualized withdrawal plan [6] for patients who require the reduction or elimination of the administration of carisoprodol. You can obtain help with both carisoprodol and creating a supportive medical withdrawal plan through a recovery-based care program, which will likely include the services of a psychiatrist and evidence-based therapies.

Who Is at Greater Risk of Experiencing Negative Effects From Carisoprodol?

Some individuals are more susceptible to the side effects of carisoprodol than others. These include:

• Older Adults: They may be at higher risk [4] of falling.
• Substance Users: Those who consume alcohol or use other sedating medications, and those with a history of substance use disorder.
• Those with Limited Organ Function: People with liver or kidney problems [2] may metabolize the drug differently.

If any of the above apply to you, you are encouraged to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider regarding these issues.

What Are the Possible Drug Interactions That May Worsen Side Effects?

Carisoprodol will interact with other substances that slow down the central nervous system, which can result in serious side effects. These include alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other sedating medications. These can lead to excessive sedation or unconsciousness, respiratory distress, poor coordination with risk of injury, impaired cognitive function and overdose. If unconsciousness occurs, breathing is slow or shallow, or overdose occurs, call 911 for emergency assistance.

You are advised to disclose all medications and supplements you are taking, as well as medications prescribed by your healthcare providers, to all providers and pharmacists.

How to Manage Carisoprodol’s Side Effects Safely

There are ways to manage carisoprodol’s side effects safely.

• For Sedation: If your doctor prescribes carisoprodol or other medications with sedative properties, you should not drive [7] or operate machines until you know how you will react.
• For Dizziness: Rise from a sitting position slowly and keep hydrated.
• For Upset Stomach: Ask your pharmacist if you are allowed to take carisoprodol with food.

Options for Alternative Interventions

Carisoprodol may have some side effects that may not be acceptable. In addition to medication, there may also be other non-medical ways [2] you might want to consider for managing muscle symptoms:

1. Physical therapy
2. Stretching
3. Applying heat and/or ice
4. Changes in lifestyle

Talk about these alternative treatments with your healthcare provider and consider whether there is a different muscle relaxant that may be more effective, whether the pain can be controlled without medication, or whether additional treatment methods can assist your recovery.