There are times when you have a sprain, muscular strain or injury, which causes an all-pervasive pain from the muscles to the bones. In that case, what you need is a musculoskeletal relaxant like Generic Soma [Carisoprodol], which is highly effective. It is a very popular and well-tolerated medicine. However, it is not meant for youngsters below 16 or geriatrics above 65. Because it provides quick relief from pain, it can be habit forming!
Soma tablets are used for relieving pain caused by strains and sprains involving muscles and bones. Carisoprodol is a short-term medicine, to be taken for a period of 2-3 weeks. It acts rapidly, giving relief from pain within 30 minutes of being consumed. The effect of this medicine is likely to last upto 6 hours. For full benefit, it is recommended that along with this medicine, the patient should take rest and physical therapy, to recover completely faster.
Generic Carisoprodol is a salt of carbamic acid, and a combination of two molecules. It numbs the nerves in the brain to camouflage the pain, thus providing relief. Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Meprobamate, an anti-anxiety drug that was introduced in the West in 1955, became an instant hit because of its sedating effects and was much abused [especially in Hollywood] for its dependence creating properties, is the forerunner of Soma [Carisoprodol]. Incidentally, Soma is an ancient Indian drug, and is also the name given to the nectar – “Som ras” – that was consumed by the dieties. The Vedas and Puranas – ancient India texts – mention that even the rulers partook of this nectar after performing religious ceremonies in that day and age.
Noted English author, Aldous Huxley, who wrote several books and screenplays for Hollywood, wrote about a fictitious drug – Soma – in his award-winning book, Brave New World in 1932. He was inclined towards Vedantic thinking and came under its influence later on, but the name of his fictional drug went on to become the brand name of the musculoskeletal medicine Carisoprodol!
Carisoprodol when taken in the right dosage, for the right period, can help in treatment of pain to the musculoskeletal system, but an overdose can be fatal. Because of its sedative effect, it is advisable that people who drive, perform hazardous acts, handle heavy machinery, or use firearms, should refrain from performing such activities while they take this medicine, or till the time they are sure that they can handle its effect.
Before you embark on a course of Soma, you must inform the treating doctor about your medical history, mentioning the ailments suffered by you, making a special mention if you’ve suffered from seizures, any disease of the liver or kidney, or an enzyme disorder known as porphyrias.
Let the physician know about the medicines – prescription and OTC, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking, so that medicines that don’t work well with this drug can be left out. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, sedatives, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, or other muscle relaxants, if taken concomitantly with Soma, can bring about dangerous results. Some nutritional supplements or herbal products sold over-the-counter for cough-and-cold, and allergy, may contain ingredients that don’t work well with Carisoprodol.
The medicine normally produces somnolence, but other side effects reported commonly include: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, or facial flushing. An allergic reaction would require immediate medical attention, presenting itself in the form of a rash, respiratory distress, or a swelling in the face-lips-tongue-throat. The serious side effects can lead to paralysis, tachycardia [rapid heartbeat], labored breathing, ataxia [loss of coordination over voluntary muscular movements], hallucinations, insomnia, blurred vision, depression, severe tiredness, or agitation.
For an overdose of this medicine, two kinds of treatment can be chosen from – gastric lavage, which is conducted in a hospital set-up when the stomach is drained of all its contents, or activated charcoal which can be taken orally. Vomiting should not be induced, as that may increase the risk of central nervous system or respiratory depression in the patient.
Usage of alcohol with this medicine should be avoided, as it can increase sedation, which can be dangerous. Pregnant or lactating women should not take this medicine without their doctor’s consent. Should someone become pregnant while taking Soma, then inform your doctor for further advice. It is not recommended for children below 16, or for older people above 65 who are generally given medicines cautiously because of the age factor. This medicine is not meant for people who have a history of drug abuse or drug addiction.
Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets, at a room temperature of 15oC-30oC, away from heat, light, and moisture, safely discarding the medicine that has expired or is no longer required.
Find More Carisoprodol Articles
