BRAND NAMES
MUSCLE RELAXANTS, SKELETAL CARISOPRODOL-
Rela,
Sodol,
Soma,
Soma Compound with Codeine, Sopridol,
Soridol
CHLORPHENESIN-
Maolate
CHLORZOXAZONE-
Paraflex,
Parafon Forte
METAXALONE-
Skelaxin
METHOCARBAMOL-
Carbacot,
Delaxin,
Marbaxin,
Robamol,
Robaxin,
Robaxisal,
Robomol,
Skelex
BASIC SOMA INFO
Habit forming? Possibly
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Muscle relaxant
SOMA MEDICAL USES
Adjunctive treatment to rest, analgesics and physical therapy for muscle spasms.
MEDICAL DOSAGE & SOMA USAGE
How to take
Soma:
- Tablet: Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow Soma whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.
- Instructions to take on empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
- Extended-release Soma tablet: Swallow whole with liquid. Don't crumble tablet.
When to take SOMA:
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As needed, no more often than every 4 hours.
If you forget a SOMA dose:
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Take as soon as you remember. Wait 4 hours for
next dose (don't double this dose).
What SOMA does:
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Blocks body's pain messages to brain. Also causes sedation.
Time lapse before SOMA works:
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30 to 60 minutes.
Don't take SOMA with:
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Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
 SOMA OVERDOSE |
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 SYMPTOMS:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions,
headache. May progress to severe weakness,
difficult breathing, sensation of paralysis,
coma.
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 SOMA SIDE EFFECTS
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Life-threatening:
Hives, rash, intense itching, faintness soon after a dose (anaphylaxis); extreme weakness, transient paralysis, temporary vision loss.
Common SOMA Side Effects:
Drowsiness,
dizziness.
Orange or red-purple
urine.
Infrequent SOMA Side Effects:
Agitation, constipation
or diarrhea, nausea,
cramps, vomiting,
wheezing, shortness
of breath, headache,
depression, muscle
weakness, trembling,
insomnia, uncontrolled
eye movements,
fainting. Blurred vision.
Rare SOMA Side Effects:
Black, tarry or
bloody stool;
convulsions. Rash, hives, or
itch; sore throat;
fever; jaundice;
tiredness; hiccups.
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 | PRECAUTIONS
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Don't take SOMA if:
- You are allergic to any skeletal muscle relaxant.
- You have porphyria.
Before you start SOMA, consult your doctor If:
- You have had liver or kidney disease.
- You plan pregnancy within medication period.
- You are allergic to tartrazine dye.
- You suffer from depression.
Over age 60:
- Adverse reactions and Soma side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
- Safety not proven. Avoid Soma if possible.
- Consult doctor.
Breast-feeding:
-
Soma may pass into milk.
- Avoid Soma or
discontinue nursing until you finish medicine.
- Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk
supply.
Infants & children:
-
Soma is not recommended.
Prolonged SOMA use:
- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, kidney function, complete blood counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit).
- Safety beyond 8 weeks of treatment not established.
Skin & sunlight:
-
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
-
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you.
- Don't work around dangerous machinery.
- Don't climb ladders or work in high places.
- Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.
Discontinuing SOMA:
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Don't discontinue Soma without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
Others:
- May affect results in some medical tests.
- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
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