Is Soma a controlled substance?

In this article:

• Is Soma a controlled substance?
• Are there any risks of Soma misuse?
• Alternatives

In this article

• Is Soma a controlled substance?
• Are there any risks of Soma misuse?
• Alternatives

Soma, the brand name for the generic medication Carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxant given to those with pain related to musculoskeletal conditions. The prescription drug is part of the skeletal muscle relaxant class of medications. Due to the risk of substance abuse on this medicine, some may wonder if Soma is considered a controlled substance. 

We went to the medical experts to learn everything you want to know about Soma and its potential for drug abuse.

Is Soma a controlled substance?

“Yes, Soma is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States,” said Dr. Andrew Youssouf, a dual board-certified physician and Medical Director at Ikon Recovery. “This means it has recognized medical uses but also carries a risk of misuse, dependency, or abuse.”

Soma is not a narcotic. Soma is a controlled substance, but only medications belonging to the opioid drug class are considered narcotics. Soma is not an opioid; it is part of the skeletal muscle relaxant drug class. 

Like narcotics, there is a potential for patients to misuse Soma, especially for those who have a history of substance abuse. Due to the increased risk, doctors and other healthcare professionals use caution when dispensing this prescription medication.

Are there any risks of Soma misuse?

As Soma is a schedule IV controlled substance, that means there are risks of misuse, abuse, and dependency.

“The use of Soma has fallen out of favor because of its potential for abuse and addiction,” said Dr. Shana Johnson, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The addictive nature of Soma is likely because it can induce a feeling similar to barbiturates (ex: phenobarbital), like mild short-term euphoria, decreased anxiety, lack of inhibition, and impaired judgment. This is because of how Soma works.

“Instead of directly relaxing the muscles, Soma works on the central nervous system (CNS) by altering how pain signals are processed between the brain and spinal cord,” said Dr. Youssouf. “This helps reduce the sensation of pain and makes it easier for muscles to relax.”

There is a risk of side effects to consider when taking this product. Common side effects of Soma include: 

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness 
• Irritability
• Headache
• Depression
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps

There are also more serious side effects, including:

• Seizure
• Hallucinations
• Fever
• Fast heart rate
• Vomiting
• Allergic reaction

You can speak to your pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects upon dispensing the drug. You may also want to discuss any interaction of Soma with the combination of medications, vitamins, and herbal products you’re currently taking.

“Over time, regular misuse can lead to physical dependence, and stopping the medication abruptly may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, or insomnia,” warned Dr. Youssouf. It’s also possible to overdose on Soma, which could cause symptoms like ataxia, respiratory distress, and even death in severe cases.

Based on this information, a prescribing physician will consider a person’s medical conditions, medical history, current medications, and family history of a substance use disorder before prescribing the medication. Those with a history of liver disease, kidney disease, and acute intermittent porphyria should also use caution when taking Soma, along with those who are breastfeeding, as a small amount of Soma can get into breast milk. 

Alternatives to Soma that are not controlled substances

“For musculoskeletal pain, safer muscle relaxants are now preferred,” said Dr. Johnson. 

The most popular alternatives to Soma that are not controlled substances include Fexmid (cyclobenzaprine), Skelaxin (metaxalone), and Robaxin (methocarbamol). 

• Fexmid is a prescription muscle relaxant intended for the short-term treatment of painful muscle spasms. 
• Skelaxin is a similar prescription muscle relaxant, but in addition to treating muscle spasms, it can help alleviate pain from sprains and other similar injuries. 
• Robaxin is a prescription muscle relaxant intended for musculoskeletal conditions. 

Other prescription alternatives for Soma include:

• Zanaflex (tizanidine)
• Gablofen (Baclofen)

These drugs all perform best when prescribed alongside physical therapy to address the underlying condition of the pain.

There are also nonprescription drugs that serve as an alternative to Soma. “Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce pain and inflammation,” said Dr. Youssouf. He also suggested Tylenol (acetaminophen) as it is “a safer alternative for general pain relief, especially if anti-inflammatory effects are not needed.”

What does the FDA consider a controlled substance?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers a controlled substance a drug, substance, or chemical that has the potential for abuse or dependency. This is due to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970, which establishes a federal policy regulating substances. A foundation of this act is the five different drug schedule classifications. These indicate how harmful a drug may be to patients based on the potential for addiction.

Here’s a quick rundown of what each scheduled class means according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

• Schedule I drugs are the most addictive, with the highest rates of abuse. These are drugs with no medical purpose and a high likelihood of abuse, like heroin, marijuana, and ecstasy.
• Schedule II drugs have a high potential for drug abuse with possible dependence on the drug, like Vicodin (hydrocodone), cocaine, fentanyl, and Adderall.
• Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for dependence, this class includes codeine, ketamine, and testosterone.
• Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse and dependence, but it’s still possible. These drugs include Soma, Xanax, Ativan, and Ambien.
• Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse. This can include drugs like cough suppressants with low amounts of codeine, such as Robitussin AC.