What are the side effects of taking Soma 350 mg?

Soma 350 side effects have often been a topic of speculation due to the risk of abuse and the potential for dependency they cause. According to a survey, about 3.2 million carisoprodol products were dispensed in the United States in 2018 [1]. It makes it essential to be aware of all the possible health risks associated with the muscle relaxer. So, is using the muscle relaxer safe for long-term use, or are there any preventive measures to help lower the risk of experiencing Soma 350 side effects? These are some of the many topics we aim to cover in today's guide. 

Carisoprodol, the active compound in the formulation of Soma 350 mg, is a centrally-acting muscle relaxer that works within 30 minutes of intake. The FDA approves it for medical use, and it is an effective treatment option for short-term acute pain.

Soma 350 Side Effects

Before buying Soma 350 mg online, some commonly reported Soma 350 mg side effects you should be aware of are listed below [2].

In rare cases, using the muscle relaxer can cause serious side effects such as low blood pressure, hives, anaphylaxis (allergic reaction), and fainting. [3]

A study based on 1387 patients was treated with Soma 350 and 250 mg and a placebo thrice daily for a week. The study indicates the following-

• No reports of death from the survey.

• Discontinuation of the treatment due to adverse effects placebo (0.5%), Soma 350 mg (0.5%), and Soma 350 mg (1.8%).

The following side effects were reported in more than 2% of the users taking the Soma pill [3]. 

The side effects reported after the approval of the Soma 350 mg by the FDA are listed below [4]. 

• Cardiovascular- facial flushing and postural hypotension.

• Central Nervous System- vertigo, insomnia, irritability, ataxia, agitation,  tremor, depressive reactions, and syncope. 

• Hematologic- pancytopenia and Leukopenia.

• Gastrointestinal- epigastric discomfort, vomiting, and nausea. 

Effect of Carisoprodol on Driving

A case study documenting 117 Carisoprodol DUI (Diving under the influence) suggests that in recent times, DUI cases involving Carisoprodol (Soma pill) have increased  Lower Peninsula of Michigan [5]. 

A similar Norwegian study showed consistent observations with Marinetti-Sheff and Ludwig's (the Michigan case report). In another comprehensive study, 104 drivers

involved in impaired driving in Washington State between January 1996 and July 1998 tested positive for Carisoprodol and meprobamate. 

Thus, driving or using heavy machinery after consuming Soma 350 mg is not advisable, as the muscle relaxer can impair driving by causing sedation. 

Is Soma 350 Mg Safe For Long-Term Use?

Carisoprodol and its brand medicine, Soma 350 mg, are schedule IV controlled substances under the Controlled Act [1]. Schedule IV drugs are substances and chemicals with a lower potential for dependency and abuse [6]. However, this doesn't mean there is no risk of abuse. 

Soma 350mg is not advisable for over three weeks of continuous use [7]. Long-term use of the muscle relaxer can increase the risk of experiencing side effects and abuse potential. 

A clinical trial comparing carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, and other compounds in treating acute low back pain and lumboischialgia (A severe and sharp pain in the lower back that gradually spreads to the leg) shows Carisoprodol (Soma 350 mg)  to be safe and tolerable during the treatment [8]. 

 

Improper dosing or misuse of the muscle relaxer can cause abuse and dependency. Patients who abuse the Soma pill may experience dizziness, blurred vision, loss of coordination, and drowsiness. The other symptoms of Carisoprodol abuse include depression, vomiting, chills, unusual weakness, tightness in the chest, and tachycardia [9]. Thus, even though Soma 350 mg is a safe and tolerable analgesic, medication misuse can increase the risk of side effects and other health conditions. 

So, Who are at a higher risk of experiencing Soma 350 side effects? 

• Pregnant and lactating women. 

• Older people above the age of 65 years.

• People below the age of 17 years.

• Individuals with a history of cardiac, renal, and hepatic disorders. 

• People alalergic to meprobamate or Carisoprodol [6].

• People suffer from porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that affects the skin or the nervous system) [10]. 

Soma 350 Mg Drug Interaction

Taking Soma 350 dosage with other medications and compounds can cause drug interaction that may significantly alter how the muscle relaxers work and help relieve body pain. 

The co-administration of the following medicines with Carisoprodol or Soma 350 mg can result in severe drug interaction [11]. 

• Calcium/Magnesium/Potassium/Sodium Oxybates

• Sodium Oxybate

• Benzhydrocodone/Acetaminophen

• Selinexor

• Hydrocodone

• Metoclopramide Intranasal

• Lonafarnib

• Apalutamide

The intake of the Soma pill with certain medications can result in drowsiness. Some of such drugs are -

• opioids such as hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and oxycodone.

• Benzodiazepines such as diazepam, flurazepam, and alprazolam. 

• Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine, nortriptyline, doxepin, and amitriptyline [12]. 

The intake of medications such as fluvoxamine and omeprazole may increase the amount of Carisoprodol in the body. The intake of certain medicines with the Soma pill can lower the effectiveness and potency of the muscle relaxer, are rifampin and St. John’s wort [12]. 

References-

1. Carisoprodol - DEA Diversion Control Division

2. Effects of Soma Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment, drugabuse. 

3. Side Effects of Soma (carisoprodol), medicinenet. 

4. Soma (Carisoprodol) tablets for oral use - Accessdata.fda.gov. 

5. Carisoprodol - Effects on Human Performance and Behavior, soft-tox.org. 

6. Drug Scheduling - DEA.gov.

7. Soma - Uses, Side Effects, and More, WebMD. 

8. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial, comparing the combination of caffeine, carisoprodol, sodium diclofenac and paracetamol versus cyclobenzaprine, to evaluate efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with acute low back pain and lumboischialgia, scielo.br. 

9. Carisoprodol Abuse in Adolescence, NCBI. 

10. Soma: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

11. Carisoprodol, rxlist. 

12. Carisoprodol, Oral Tablet, Healthline