WHAT IS Soma/Carisoprodol?

• Soma/Carisoprodol is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.
• Soma/Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
• Soma/Carisoprodol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE Soma/Carisoprodol?

• Do not take Soma/carisoprodol if you have acute intermittent porphyria.
• Soma/Carisoprodol is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.
• Before taking Soma/carisoprodol, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.
• It is not known whether Soma/carisoprodol will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Soma/carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is also not known whether Soma/carisoprodol passes into breast milk. Do not take Soma/carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Try to keep your doses at least 4 hours apart.

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH Soma/Carisoprodol?

• cimetidine
• medicines for sleep
• medicines for seizures (convulsions) or epilepsy
• Prilosec/omeprazole
• voriconazole
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital
• isoniazid (INH)
• modafinil
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• medicines for pain
• medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
• medicines for HIV or AIDS
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety, or emotional disturbances
• alcohol
• other muscle relaxants

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Soma/Carisoprodol?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Soma/Carisoprodol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Soma/carisoprodol.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Symptoms of a Soma/carisoprodol overdose include low blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.
• Seek emergency medical attention.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Soma/Carisoprodol?

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Store Soma/carisoprodol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Take Soma/carisoprodol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• The maximum amount of Soma/carisoprodol you should take in one day is 1,400 mg (4 tablets).

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Soma/Carisoprodol?

• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Soma/carisoprodol and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • insomnia; or
  • blurred vision;
  • hiccups.
  • headache;
  • drowsiness or dizziness;
  • depression;
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Soma/carisoprodol and seek emergency medical attention:
  • vision loss; or
  • paralysis (loss of feeling) or extreme weakness;
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • agitation or tremor.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.