Soma : The Ultimate Muscle Relaxer for You

Muscle pain is not an uncommon or a rare experience, it is an inevitable experience faced by many. Before we dive into how to get relief from muscle pain, let us first understand why muscle pain or discomfort occurs. Well, there are many possible reasons such as-

•    A severe injury

•    Viral flu or illness

•    Lifting heavy weights suddenly

•    Excessive physical activity

•    Accidental burns or cuts, and so on.

When a muscle tissue gets injured, the nerves in the affected area send signals to the brain where the pain is first registered. The brain processes the information brought in by the nerves and then perceives it as pain. That is how we feel the pain and discomfort that keeps on intensifying with time. But there is nothing much to worry about when there are pain medications like Soma that can provide instant relief from the discomfort. At the same time, it is important to note that Soma works well with proper rest and therapy. It is just an aid in the overall recovery process.

About Soma :

Soma is a muscle relaxer in which the main compound is Carisoprodol. It is an effective pain relief medication for mild to moderate pain. It is mostly used in cases of acute pain.

Soma basically works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain so that the brain is not able to perceive the pain. In simple words, it helps in blocking out the painful sensations between the brain and the nerves.

Soma is basically a muscle relaxer and not the ultimate solution to pain. It is in fact used in combination with rest and therapy so as to produce maximum beneficial results. Without proper rest and exercise, only the pain will be alleviated but the underlying cause will not be treated effectively.

Dosage guide:

The dosage guidelines should be followed as per a qualified healthcare provider only. The dosing instructions can be as follows-

•    The ideal dose for Soma is 250 to 350 mg.

•    It can be taken three times a day and also, at bedtime.

•    The maximum dosage recommended is 500 mg.

•    Do not take Soma for more than 2 to 3 weeks.

•    It can be taken with or without food.

Drug Interactions:

Soma (Carisoprodol) can interact with different groups of drugs. You should be transparent with your doctor regarding your current medications so as to avoid unwanted interactions. The following drugs should be avoided while taking Carisoprodol-

•    Antifungal medicines containing ketoconazole

•    Stomach acidity medicines

•    Anxiety medicines which contain benzodiazepines

•    Smart drugs like Modafinil and Armodafinil

•    Medicines that treat depression

•    Medicines used to treat seizures.

•    Other painkillers or pain relief medications.

Points to Remember:

It is very important to be transparent with your doctor before taking Soma. The following key points should be taken into consideration-

•        Soma contains aspirin that can have adverse effect on people suffering from hemorrhagic disorders such as hemophilia. This drug is better avoided if you have any such condition.

•        If you have a history of cardiovascular problems, it is better to avoid this medication as it increases the risk of cardiac arrest, chest pain or other heart diseases.

•        Do not take this drug if you are suffering from liver or kidney problems. Carisoprodol is converted into various metabolites, out of which only a little amount gets removed if you have poor kidney function. Metabolite accumulation in your body can lead to adverse effects on your health.

•        It is not recommended for children and young adults under 16 years of age as there are no well-established results of its use in children.

•        It is not known if Carisoprodol can harm an unknown baby and therefore, it should not be taken during pregnancy. There might be a miscarriage or the mother herself can be harmed.

•        Carisoprodol can also pass into breast milk and hence, should not be taken by a breastfeeding mother as it can harm the baby.

•        Read and discuss the drug-related information clearly with your doctor before its consumption so as to avoid unwanted drug interactions and allergies.

•        Do not take Soma longer than required as it may become habit-forming, especially in people with a long history of drug abuse and addiction.

Side effects of Soma:

Common side effects of Soma are-

•    Dizziness

•    Drowsiness

•    Vomiting

•    Mild headaches

•    Chills

•    Cough

•    Sore throat

What happens if I overdose on Soma?

Soma (carisoprodol) is subject to drug abuse and prolonged use or overdose of Soma can lead to dependence on the medication which results in respiratory depression, hallucinations, blurry visions, muscular incoordination, and seizures. In extreme cases, it can also lead to coma and even death.

It is a constant reminder that pain medication is not to be prescribed to patients with a long history of drug abuse and addiction. The use of Soma with other illegal drugs and alcohol can cause adverse effects on health and is strictly prohibited.

Conclusion:

Soma is an effective muscle relaxer that can provide immediate relief from muscle spasms or soreness without causing severe side effects. The various clinical studies are conducted depending on a wide range of conditions and therefore, it is recommended to use this pain reliever under the supervision of a qualified doctor. Exercise regularly to avoid muscle pain in the first place. Likewise, resort to a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and water intake at regular intervals.