Soma Muscle Relaxant for Musculoskeletal Pain ReliefSoma relieves muscle spasms and related symptoms such as pain, increased sensitivity, limited movement, etc. This page provides useful information on the use of the drug.

Soma – Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxant

Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain. Muscle spasms and immobilization of the affected area intensify it. Effective treatment of osteochondrosis is impossible without special drugs – muscle relaxants. They relax spasmodic muscles and thereby relieve pain. Soma (Carisoprodol) is one of the most common muscle relaxants today. It is a centrally-acting muscle relaxant used in combination with other medications and physical therapy. It effectively eliminates spasms of skeletal muscles of local origin without affecting their function.

Pharmacological Properties

Soma acts on the CNS by reducing the firing of motor neurons and thereby decreasing muscle tone. It also has some analgesic effects, which reduce pain associated with muscle spasms. The effect begins 30 minutes after taking Soma and lasts about 4-6 hours. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys.

Indications and Contradictions

Indications for the use of the medicine are diseases and injuries of the spine, limbs, neuralgia, the period of post-surgical intervention, spasticity, pain, and other manifestations of increased muscle activity. Contraindications include: • Hypersensitivity reactions to the components of the drug, including anaphylactic reactions, urticaria, swelling of the face and tongue, and itching. If hypersensitivity reactions are suspected, Soma (Carisoprodol) should be discontinued; • Simultaneous use with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days after their discontinuation. Patients taking Carisoprodol concomitantly with MAO inhibitors may experience hyperpyretic crisis and seizures; • During the recovery phase after acute myocardial infarction, in the presence of cardiac arrhythmia and conduction disorders (including heart block), or congestive heart failure; • Hyperthyroidism – a disease accompanied by excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

Uses & Dosage

Soma tablets should be taken as recommended by your doctor. Usually, this is 250-350 mg three times a day and at bedtime. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1400 mg. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks. Do not take Soma for a longer period of time without consulting your doctor. Otherwise, you may experience side effects. Try to avoid drinking alcohol and using other centrally-acting drugs during the treatment cycle, as this can enhance the Carisoprodol effect and lead to the development of negative reactions in the body.

Side Effects

Soma is a relatively safe and effective muscle relaxant when used correctly. However, like any medicine, it can cause unpleasant or even dangerous side reactions. If you experience any of the following adverse effects while taking Soma, contact your doctor immediately: • Drowsiness. This is one of the most common side effects. The drug may cause severe drowsiness, which may lead to difficulty working or driving; • Dizziness. Taking Soma may provoke dizziness, loss of balance, and falling. This side effect is especially dangerous for older people; • Dry mouth. Soma can lead to dry mouth, resulting in difficulty eating and speaking; • Loss of coordination. Taking Soma may impair motor coordination, making it difficult to complete daily tasks; • Anxiety. Some people may experience anxiety or restlessness during treatment; • Headache. A persistent, severe headache is a common side effect of the drug; • Nausea and vomiting. Soma can cause nausea and vomiting, which can lead to loss of appetite and dehydration; • Skin irritation. Some people experience skin irritation or itching during treatment; • Constipation. The drug often causes constipation. This, in turn, results in discomfort and pain in the abdomen; • Allergic reactions. Some patients have an allergic reaction to Soma. It includes skin rash, itching, and swelling. It is also important to consider that Soma can cause mental and physical dependence, especially with long-term use or abuse. Therefore, you should not violate the recommendations for taking the drug or hesitate to consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

Summary

Soma is a muscle relaxant for eliminating muscle spasms accompanied by acute pain from the musculoskeletal system. This drug is an excellent addition to a regimen of limited physical activity and physical therapy. Acting mainly at the level of the brain stem, Soma eliminates local spasms of skeletal muscles without affecting their function.