Soma is a potent sedative-hypnotic drug used to relieve pain in muscles caused by strains, sprains, and other types of muscle injury. The medication properties are still being studied, but you can learn about many already known facts below.
| Meds Name | Doses | Per Pill | Go To Pharmacy |
| Generic Soma | 500mg, 350mg | $0.67 | Visit Pharmacy |
Soma – The Best Helper in Muscle Injury Pain
Musculoskeletal pain is excruciating. Despite common opinion, muscle injuries are not the prerogative of professional sportsmen. According to the statistics, 77% of all health care visits are related to some kind of musculoskeletal injury. The pain in the first days after trauma is severe, and there’s no way a person can avoid taking painkillers. However, their pain can usually be soothed with the help of Soma. It is a muscle relaxant and anxiolytic, which works great in reducing pain levels in people with strains, sprains, and muscle injury. The drug relaxes the affected muscle, allowing for a faster recovery. Soma is usually used along with physical therapy.
The medication is available by prescription only. There’s no way you can buy Soma without first visiting your healthcare provider.
More about Soma. Why Is It Sold by Prescription
The active substance in Soma is called carisoprodol. It is a preparation from the class of carbamate drugs. The active ingredient of the drug is converted by the liver into several metabolites. One of them is meprobamate – a controlled substance with abuse potential. Meprobamate is the reason why Soma is a Schedule IV drug.
The exact mechanism of action of this medication is not clear. However, it is known for sure that a decent part of the effects produced by Soma is the result of meprobamate influence on the human body. Soma has a rapid onset of action. After the oral intake, the drug starts working within already 30 minutes. The duration of the effects is about six hours.
According to the FDA recommendations, Soma should be used short-term. The maximum duration of the therapy shouldn’t exceed two-three weeks. If used longer, meprobamate accumulates within the body, leading to addiction and dependence.
Soma: Available Dosages. How to Choose the Right Dose?
Soma comes in the form of tablets. They contain either 250 mg or 350 mg of the active substance. The most appropriate dosage of the medication is chosen by a doctor based on the medical condition you suffer and your response to the therapy. Usually, people take Soma three times a day and another pill at bedtime.
You should never change the prescribed dosage of the medication as it will not speed up your recovery but will boost your risks for unwanted reactions. Any alterations in the dosing regimen can be made by a medical professional only.
Reasons to Avoid the Use of Soma
People with certain comorbidities are more prone to developing severe adverse reactions to Soma. The possible risks of treatment for them significantly outweigh the potential benefits. For this reason, the intake of Soma is contraindicated in people with:
- known hypersensitivity to meprobamate or other carbamate drugs;
- acute intermittent porphyria;
- severe kidney disorder;
- liver disease;
- seizures;
- history of substance abuse.
Soma is allowed for use in individuals who are older than 16. Pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t use Soma as there is no evidence of drug safety in these patients. In animal studies, however, Soma did affect the growth of the fetus and negatively affected fetal survival.
There are also no significant data on the safety of using Soma in people older than 65. The decision concerning the use of this drug in such patients should be made with caution.
Common Pieces of Advice on Soma Intake
The success of the therapy, along with its safety, depends on how closely you follow your doctor’s recommendations. To help you remember the guidelines given by your GP, have a look at the list below.
- Soma pills can be used regardless of meals.
- Take the medication at even spaces of time to keep its concentrations in the body liquids stable.
- Try not to miss doses as this may worsen the effects of treatment and delay your recovery.
- Never exceed the prescribed dosage of the medication as it may lead to overdose.
- Your GP may recommend you to reduce the dose of the drug gradually to avoid withdrawal.
- Soma can cause dizziness and impair your alertness which is why you should avoid driving a car or doing other activities that demand alertness when under the effects of the drug.
- Exclude alcohol from your diet, and don’t take Soma with any medicines that depress the nervous system.
Summing up
Soma is a potent medication that can help you cope with muscle injury and strains faster. The drug produces muscle relaxant and anxiolytic effects, which work well for your recovery. Though Soma can be used for only a couple of weeks maximum, this time is enough for the drug to complete its task. So whenever you have a sprain, a strain, or muscle injury, ask your doctor if Soma can be helpful in your situation.