Brand Name(s): Soma

Generic Name Carisoprodol

What are carisoprodol tablets?

CARISOPRODOL (Rela®, Soma®) is a muscle relaxant. Carisoprodol is used to relieve muscle spasms and pains associated with acute injuries. It should only be used for a short time and should be combined with rest, physcial therapy or other non-drug therapies. Generic carisoprodol tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take carisoprodol?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• porphyria
• an unusual or allergic reaction to carisoprodol, carbamate, sulfite, tartrazine, or any other substance
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take carisoprodol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If carisoprodol upsets your stomach, take the tablets with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with carisoprodol?

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

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking carisoprodol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion
• difficulty breathing
• fainting spells
• skin rash or redness
• trembling
• unsteadiness
• unusual weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• flushing (reddening of the skin)
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

What should I watch for while taking carisoprodol?

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how carisoprodol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy; avoid alcoholic drinks.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.