Generic Name: Carisoprodol

  • What is this medication and its most common uses?

    Soma is a medicine used to relieve discomfort associated with short-term, painful musculoskeletal conditions.

    Soma is a federally controlled substance because it has abuse potential.


    How does this medication work?

    Soma is thought to work in your central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to relieve the symptoms of musculoskeletal discomfort.


    What: Soma has been shown to help relieve musculoskeletal discomfort, such as lower back pain.

    When: Everyone responds differently to treatment, so try to be patient and follow your healthcare provider's directions. It is important that you take Soma exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed.

    How do I know it is working?

    You may feel a reduction in pain and discomfort after you start taking Soma. This is a good indicator that the medicine is working. Your healthcare provider may ask you questions to assess how well your symptoms are controlled.

  • What are the possible side effects of this medication?


    More common side effects may include: dizziness, drowsiness, headache.

    Less common side effects may include:

    Soma has abuse potential. This chance is higher if you are or have ever been addicted to or abused other medicines, or if you have been taking Soma over a long period. If you have concerns, talk to your healthcare provider for more information about abuse and addiction.

    Soma may cause seizures.

  • Who should not take this medication?

    Do not take Soma if you are allergic to it, any of its ingredients, or to a medicine called meprobamate.

    Do not take Soma if you have a history of acute porphyria (a genetic disease that causes intermittent attacks of stomach pain and neurological [brain, nerves, and spine] symptoms).


    Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Soma. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver problems, seizures, a history of drug dependence, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

  • What is the usual dosage?


    Adults ≥16 years: The recommended dose is 250- 350 milligrams three times a day and at bedtime for 2-3 weeks.


  • How should I take this medication?

    Take Soma exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking Soma without first talking to your healthcare provider.

    Take Soma with or without food.

    Take Soma for short periods (up to two or three weeks), as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

  • What should I avoid while taking this medication?

    Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in other dangerous activities until you know how Soma affects you.

    Do not take Soma with other medications that can make you feel drowsy, including alcohol.


    If Soma is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your healthcare provider before combining Soma with the following: alcohol, certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, fluvoxamine, or sertraline), meprobamate, omeprazole, other medicines that may make you sleepy (such as oxycodone or alprazolam), rifampin, or St. John's wort.


    The effects of Soma during pregnancy are unknown. Soma can be found in your breast milk if you take it while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.



  • How should I store this medication?

    Store at room temperature.

Meet the Pharmacists

I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!

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