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Soma (Carisoprodol)
Submitted by joel on 9 March, 2009 - 21:29
Manufacturer: 
MedPointe Pharmaceuticals & Generic
Intended Uses and Benefits: 
Soma (Carisoprodol) is a non-narcotic centrally acting musculoskeletal relaxant that works by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. Carisoprodol is often prescribed to Avascular Necrosis / Osteonecrosis patients as a muscle relaxer used in conjunction with pain relievers to treat break-through pain episodes. Avascular Necrosis of joints can result in fluids and swelling so that the inflammation itself increases pressure on the necrotic areas of the joint,  thereby increasing pain. In short, intense break-through pain from AVN of a joint can be a vicious cycle where the symptoms of the pain can result in tensing or pressure upon the AVN joint and thus cause more pain. Carisoprodol, as a muscle relaxer, can provide relief by relaxing the body and, most importantly, can help to relax the muscles around the affected necrotic joint.
 
Carisoprodol is also prescribed to AVN patients undergoing physical therapy as a tool to treat muscle pain that can be present during rehabilitation.
Possible Side-effects: 
As with most muscle relaxing medications, Carisoprodol has a sedative effect and can impair mental and physical abilities. Don't drive, perform hazardous tasks, or operate machinery while taking Carisoprodol.
 
Carisoprodol also caries a risk of becoming habit-forming. This risk increases when the medication is taken regularly and for extended periods of time. Most AVN patients are only prescribed Carisoprodol for occasional use to treat break-through or acute pain. Any patient who has taken Carisoprodol for extended periods of time should not discontinue usage of the medication abruptly since physical withdrawal symptoms can occur.
 
Other possible effects are:
Cardiovascular --Tachycardia, postural hypotension, and facial flushing.
Central Nervous System --Drowsiness and other CNS effects may require dosage
reduction. Also observed: dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, tremor, agitation, irritability,
headache, depressive reactions, syncope, seizures, and insomnia.
Gastrointestinal --Nausea, vomiting, hiccup, and epigastric distress.
Hematologic --Leukopenia, in which other drugs or viral infection may have been
responsible, and pancytopenia, attributed to phenylbutazone, have been reported. No
serious blood dyscrasias have been attributed to carisoprodol. [2]
Interactions and Allergies: 
Carisoprodol acts upon the central nervous system and should not be taken by patients with a history of epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
 
Since Carisoprodol is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys it (Carisoprodol) can cause reactions when taken in conjunction with other medications. It is very important to carefully discuss your complete medication plan with your doctor and to clarify how and when Carisoprodol should be taken.
 
Do not drink alcohol while taking Carisoprodol.
Additional Notes: 
All current medications used to treat moderate to severe pain carry risks. Used properly and as directed many patients find Soma (Carisoprodol) to be an effective non-narcotic tool to help treat the affects of Avascular Necrosis.
 
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Disclaimer: While we do our best to ensure information integrity, member-submitted medication details may not be complete or accurate. Always discuss medication benefits, side-effects, and contraindications with your doctor or pharmacist.

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