What is Soma Used to Treat?
Have you ever suffered from a sprained ankle and felt like there was no way to reduce the pain? Were you recently diagnosed with acute low back pain and did not know where to turn for symptomatic treatment? If you have answered yes to either of these questions, perhaps you might be interested in Soma, a drug recommended particularly for the above mentioned situations and not only. In fact, Soma (Carisoprodol) is indicated as symptomatic treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions, relieving the patient from discomfort and pain in an efficient manner.
How Long Can I Take Soma?
Available as tablets, Soma is recommended to be taken for shorts periods of time, in case of acute painful syndromes. If, for any situation, the patient decided to prolong the treatment with Soma a healthcare specialist should be consulted. Studies have shown that long-term intake can lead to severe reactions, including hypotension, dizziness and somnolence. There is also an entire list of symptoms related to the central nervous system, such as lack of coordination, fainting, involuntary tremor and unrest. Gastrointestinal symptoms are also likely to appear in patients taking Soma over the recommended period. Vomiting, nausea and indigestion represent just few of the many examples that could be given. Laboratory examination show low levels of white blood cells and also a deficiency of red blood cells.
Does Soma Interact with other Drugs?
Having soothing properties, Soma should not be administered at the same time with other drugs that have similar effects on the central nervous system. Drug interactions include benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety drugs) and opioids among others. It is also wise that Soma should not be taken simultaneously with meprobamate (metabolite).
What if I have Liver or Kidney Problems?
Metabolized at the level of the liver and excreted by the kidney, Soma is administered with caution in patients who are known to have impaired liver or renal function. One of the most positive aspects of Soma is that this medication can be used in patients who are undergoing dialysis on a regular basis.
What happens when you take too much of Soma?
Overdose patients should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible and basic life support measures applied. In serious situations, there are several actions that can be taken including gastric lavage and tracheal intubation. There are certain overdose symptoms which do not threaten one's life but remain serious, including dyspnea, tachycardia and hypotension. A high risk for adverse reactions is faced by patients who suffer from porphyria, an absolute contraindication for Carisoprodol treatments.
Will Soma Impair me in Any Way?
Even though Soma is presented as a muscle relaxer, it is important to understand that the medication does not actually relax skeletal muscles. It acts at the level of the central nervous system, having a direct effect on the transmission of pain (from CNS to nerves and then to muscles). The active metabolite, meprobamate (metabolized from Carisoprodol), has both anxiety-relieving and sedative properties. The medication has rapid effects, lasting for several hours after ingestion. As Soma has a powerful effect on the central nervous system, patients are warned about the sedative properties of the drug. These can impair thinking and other abilities requiring mental alertness. Do not drive or operate different vehicles while you are following a treatment with Soma.
What Should I Expect When I Take Soma?
There are specific symptoms that appear in patients who have taken Soma or Carisoprodol for the first time. It takes just a couple of minutes to an hour for muscle weakness, paralysis and lack of coordination to affect patients. These symptoms are accompanied by vision problems, mental confusion, agitation and even euphoria. Scientists and healthcare specialists are still trying to identify the causes of the above-mentioned symptoms through clinical trials and patient-controlled studies.
Can I be Allergic to Soma?
There is also a potential risk for allergic reactions, especially in patients with a history of allergies. Symptoms include: intense itching sensations, skin rash and increased eosinophils in the blood (marker of allergic reaction). In some patients, more severe reactions such as edema, postural hypotension and anaphylactic shock represent strong reasons for emergency medical assistance.
These are just few Frequently Asked Questions about Soma. You should talk to your doctor for additional information or questions you might have.
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