Soma
(carisoprodol)
Relaxes your muscles.
Our bottom line
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.
- Price before coupon$52.32
- Lowest price with coupon$12.3076% savings
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (carisoprodol)
Upsides
- Patients treated with Soma (carisoprodol) experienced improvement in function.
- Available in generic.
- Available in two different strengths.
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What to expect from Soma, on one page
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.
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What to expect from Soma, on one page
Soma (carisoprodol) is a muscle relaxant. It works in the brain to help calm down muscle spasms.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (carisoprodol)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$7.26Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$12.30
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$12.75
- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$12.75
What to expect when you take Soma (carisoprodol) for Acute muscle pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Soma (carisoprodol)
- Drowsiness13%13%6%6%
- Dizziness8%8%2%2%
- Headache5%5%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Soma.
People taking Soma felt side effect more
People taking Soma felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Soma (carisoprodol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking other medications that also cause sleepiness
- › Recreational drug use
- › Excessive alcohol use
- › Elderly
Taking Soma (carisoprodol) can make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Avoid driving or doing other tasks that require concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Get up very slowly from a seated or lying down position.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults.Common concerns from people taking Soma (carisoprodol)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Don't drink alcohol while on this medication.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed carisoprodolon 10/13/2017Only take as needed u have to train your brain through some of the pain, nothing will ever completely take it away. And the long you wait to train that part of the brain the harder your life in pain will be. Trust me I no, but thats a whole other blog. Also the older one gets the brain reacts much slower to recover from over use.52WomanJust as neededMuscle and joint pain
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Somaon 7/29/2017I LOVED this muscle relaxer and have been taking it for YEARS but am having trouble finding a pain management doctor who will prescribe it for me or allow me to even have it prescribed for me by my primary physician. I can't seem to find a comparable one. :/59WomanTwo years or moreMuscle and joint pain
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Somaon 7/4/2017Great for bedtime pain.32ManTwo years or moreMuscle spasm
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Somaon 12/13/2016I take 1/2 of a 350mg tab when I'm unable to sleep due to wrenching back spasms and pain. Within 20-30 mins after taking Soma I fall asleep and have a sound rest.Taking a whole tab is a bit too strong for me. I don't take this pill on a regular nightly basis but rather use it as a last alternative. Sadly my MD will not prescribe it for me anymore. He put me on Flexeril and that med is simply awful! It's way too sedating with melancholic side effects. Soma worked so well.62WomanMuscle spasm
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Somaon 7/14/2016does cause drowsiness41WomanMuscle spasm