SOMA




BRAND NAMES
MUSCLE RELAXANTS, SKELETAL CARISOPRODOL- Rela, Sodol, Soma, Soma Compound with Codeine, Sopridol, Soridol CHLORPHENESIN- Maolate CHLORZOXAZONE- Paraflex, Parafon Forte METAXALONE- Skelaxin
METHOCARBAMOL- Carbacot, Delaxin, Marbaxin, Robamol, Robaxin, Robaxisal, Robomol, Skelex


BASIC SOMA INFO
Habit forming? Possibly
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Muscle relaxant


SOMA MEDICAL USES
Adjunctive treatment to rest, analgesics and physical therapy for muscle spasms.


MEDICAL DOSAGE & SOMA USAGE
How to take Soma:

- Tablet: Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow Soma whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.

- Instructions to take on empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

- Extended-release Soma tablet: Swallow whole with liquid. Don't crumble tablet.


When to take SOMA:

- As needed, no more often than every 4 hours.


If you forget a SOMA dose:

- Take as soon as you remember. Wait 4 hours for next dose (don't double this dose).


What SOMA does:

- Blocks body's pain messages to brain. Also causes sedation.


Time lapse before SOMA works:

- 30 to 60 minutes.


Don't take SOMA with:

- Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.


SOMA OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, headache. May progress to severe weakness, difficult breathing, sensation of paralysis, coma.
SOMA SIDE EFFECTS

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense itching, faintness soon after a dose (anaphylaxis); extreme weakness, transient paralysis, temporary vision loss.

Common SOMA Side Effects:

Drowsiness, dizziness. Orange or red-purple urine.

Infrequent SOMA Side Effects: 

Agitation, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, cramps, vomiting, wheezing, shortness of breath, headache, depression, muscle weakness, trembling, insomnia, uncontrolled eye movements, fainting.  Blurred vision.

Rare SOMA Side Effects:

Black, tarry or bloody stool; convulsions.  Rash, hives, or itch; sore throat; fever; jaundice; tiredness; hiccups.
PRECAUTIONS

Don't take SOMA if:  

- You are allergic to any skeletal muscle relaxant.

- You have porphyria.


Before you start SOMA, consult your doctor If:

- You have had liver or kidney disease.

- You plan pregnancy within medication period.

- You are allergic to tartrazine dye.

- You suffer from depression.


Over age 60:

- Adverse reactions and Soma side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.


Pregnancy:

- Safety not proven. Avoid Soma if possible.

- Consult doctor.


Breast-feeding:

- Soma may pass into milk.

- Avoid Soma or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine.

- Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.


Infants & children:

- Soma is not recommended.


Prolonged SOMA use:

- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, kidney function, complete blood counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit).

- Safety beyond 8 weeks of treatment not established.


Skin & sunlight:

- No problems expected.


Driving, piloting or hazardous work:

- Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you.

- Don't work around dangerous machinery.

- Don't climb ladders or work in high places.

- Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.


Discontinuing SOMA:

- Don't discontinue Soma without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.


Others:

- May affect results in some medical tests.

- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.





Wildlife On Video »

Canadian Medical Guide Canada's Great Outdoors
Tour Canadian Rockies »
Maligne Lake Boat Cruise »
Hike Jasper »
Maligne Ice Walk »