Compare Soma vs. Gablofen

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Soma (carisoprodol)

Prescription only

Gablofen (baclofen)

Prescription only
Relaxes your muscles.

Soma (carisoprodol) is used for muscle spasms and muscle pain but it's not considered a first-choice treatment and not meant for long-term therapy.

3.5/ 5 average rating with 220 reviewsforSoma
Works well to control muscle spasticity.

Gablofen (baclofen) is effective for long term spastic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and others. It is administered intrathecally by a pump connecting to your spine.

Upsides
  • Patients treated with Soma (carisoprodol) experienced improvement in function.
  • Available in generic.
  • Available in two different strengths.
  • Gablofen (baclofen) is the agent of choice for treatment of muscle spasticity.
  • Gablofen (baclofen) has fewer side effects than the oral form, since higher levels can be delivered to the spine at lower doses.
Downsides
  • Not first choice for treating muscle spasms or muscle pain, because it can cause dependence.
  • Can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
  • Not meant for long-term therapy, because it hasn't been shown to be effective after taking it for a short period.
  • Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.
  • Gablofen (baclofen) can cause sleepiness and drowsiness.
  • Stopping Gablofen (baclofen) right away can be life-threatening, so a doctor would need to help you stop it.
  • Gablofen (baclofen) has to be started in the doctor's office. You or your caregiver need to be trained on how to use the pump.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
Price
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Reviews
220 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Drowsiness
    13%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Headache
    5%
See more detailed side effects
21possible side effects
  • Loss of muscle tone
    35%
  • Drowsiness
    19%
  • Headache
    11%
  • Convulsion
    10%
  • Urinary Retention
    8%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Increased muscle tone
    6%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Slowed breathing
    4%
  • Pain
    4%
  • Itchiness
    4%
  • Increased salivation
    3%
  • Swelling of limbs
    3%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Constipaiton
    2%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
  • Weak muscles
    2%
  • Pneumonia
    2%
  • Urination control problems
    2%
  • Inability to urinate
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Sleepiness and dizziness
    • Taking other medications that also cause sleepiness
    • Recreational drug use
    • Excessive alcohol use
    • Elderly
  • Abuse, dependence and withdrawal
    • Prior history of drug abuse
    • Taking Soma (carisoprodol) for a long time
  • Seizures
    • Prior history of overdoses of drugs of abuse, recreational drugs, or alcohol
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Withdrawal symptoms
    • Stopping Gablofen (baclofen) too quickly
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
    • Age 65 or greater
  • Seizures
    • Higher dose
    • Using other medicines that can cause seizures
    • History of seizures
    • Alcoholism
    • Eating disorders
    • Brain infections
See more detailed risks and warnings