What is Soma? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Soma is a brand-name prescription muscle relaxant that relieves pain due to musculoskeletal conditions. The active ingredient, carisoprodol, relaxes muscles by affecting nerve signals in the spinal cord. The body breaks down carisoprodol into meprobamate, a powerful sedative, which may also help relieve muscle pain. However, both carisoprodol and meprobamate cause drowsiness and impairment, so people should be cautious when taking this drug.

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Soma overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Soma

Generic Names:

  • Carisoprodol

Uses:

  • Treats pain and stiffness due to muscle and bone injuries and conditions.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Centrally acting muscle relaxant, carbamate

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Soma used for?

As a muscle relaxant, Soma relieves pain and discomfort due to muscle and bone problems.

What form(s) does Soma come in?

  • Tablet

    • 250 mg

    • 350 mg

What are common Soma dosages?

  • For relief of pain and stiffness due to musculoskeletal conditions: 250–350 mg taken three times per day and at bedtime for 2–3 weeks

Soma images - What does Soma look like?

  • Soma
    20 tablets bottle

  • Soma
    40 tablets bottle

  • Soma
    250mg tablet

  • Soma
    350mg tablet

How to take Soma

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is not approved to be used for longer than three weeks.

  • Soma tablets can be taken with or without food.

  • To avoid stomach upset, take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Soma

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

  • Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Soma contraindications - Who shouldn't take Soma?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use Soma if you had an allergic reaction to carisoprodol, meprobamate, or tybamate.

  • Soma and generic carisoprodol should never be taken by people with a history of porphyria.

Soma warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will need to perform regular blood tests to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use. This medicine should only be used for 2 to 3 weeks. After that, talk to the doctor if symptoms don’t improve.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Before taking Soma, tell your doctor if you have:

    • Kidney disease

    • Liver disease

    • Seizures

    • A history of drug abuse or dependence.

  • Carisoprodol can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Carisoprodol is a controlled substance because of the risk of dependence, abuse, and overdose. 

    • Do not use more than your prescribed dose. 

    • Giving this drug to another person is against the law.

  • Keep this medicine securely out of the reach of children.

Soma interactions & what to avoid when taking Soma

  • To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before taking Soma tablets.

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

  • Some medicines increase the risk of carisoprodol’s side effects or decrease its effectiveness. Doses may need to be adjusted, so tell the doctor if you’re taking:

    • The stomach acid reducer omeprazole

    • The tuberculosis drug rifampin

    • The OCD medication fluvoxamine

    • The herbal supplement St John's wort

  • Soma can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and impairment, so taking other drugs that make you sleepy will worsen these effects. Tell the doctor you’re taking drugs that make you sleepy such as:

    • Narcotic pain medicine

    • Allergy medicine

    • Sedatives (benzodiazepines)

    • Other muscle relaxants

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Soma side effects - How does Soma make you feel?

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:

  • Seizures

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness, fainting

  • Changes in vision

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, skin rash

Less serious side effects

  • Drowsiness

  • Dizziness

  • Headache

Sources:

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