Carisoprodol Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments

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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 20, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 350 mg; 250 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

• Muscle Spasm

Additional dosage information:

• Renal Dose Adjustments
• Liver Dose Adjustments
• Dose Adjustments
• Precautions
• Dialysis
• Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm

250 to 350 mg orally 3 times a day and at bedtime
Duration of therapy: Up to 2 to 3 weeks

Comments:

• This drug should only be used for short periods (up to 2 or 3 weeks) as there is inadequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use and acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions are generally of short duration.

Use: For the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions

Renal Dose Adjustments

Use with caution

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use with caution

Dose Adjustments

Patients with Reduced CYP450 2C19 Activity:

• Use with caution as higher exposure to carisoprodol and lower exposure to meprobamate (active metabolite) is expected; the clinical significance of this is not known.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 16 years or over 65 years.

US Controlled Substance: Schedule IV

Dialysis

Dialyzable by peritoneal and hemodialysis.

Other Comments

Administration advice:
Take orally with or without food

General:

• Dependence, withdrawal, and abuse have been reported with prolonged use; duration of use should be limited to less than 3 weeks.

Monitoring:

• Monitor for sedation
• Monitor for signs of abuse and overdose

Patient advice:

• Patients should avoid taking this drug prior to engaging in potentially hazardous activities as this drug has been associated with motor vehicle accidents.
• Patients should avoid alcohol while on this drug and check with their healthcare provider before taking other CNS depressants.
• Patients should be informed that this drug has been associated with cases of dependence, withdrawal, and abuse; use should be limited to less than 3 weeks duration.

Frequently asked questions

• What is Caridoxen used for?

More about carisoprodol

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (298)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: skeletal muscle relaxants
• Breastfeeding
• En español

Patient resources

• Drug Information

Other brands

Soma, Vanadom

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Muscle Spasm
• Nocturnal Leg Cramps

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Carisoprodol Interactions Checker – Drugs.com

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There are 362 drugs known to interact with
carisoprodol, along with
3 disease interactions, and 1 alcohol/food interaction.

Of the total drug interactions,
27 are major, 334 are moderate, and 1 is minor.

Does carisoprodol interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed report.

• View all 362 medications that may interact with carisoprodol
• View carisoprodol alcohol/food interactions (1)
• View carisoprodol disease interactions (3)

Most frequently checked interactions

View interaction reports for carisoprodol and the medicines listed below.

• Major
• Moderate
• Minor
• Unknown

• Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)
• Advair Diskus (fluticasone / salmeterol)
• Ambien (zolpidem)
• Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Celebrex (celecoxib)
• Crestor (rosuvastatin)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl)
• Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
• Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)
• Metoprolol Tartrate (metoprolol)
• Morphine Sulfate ER (morphine)
• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
• OxyContin (oxycodone)
• ProAir HFA (albuterol)
• Seroquel (quetiapine)
• Singulair (montelukast)
• Synthroid (levothyroxine)
• Vicodin (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Carisoprodol alcohol/food interactions

There is 1 alcohol/food interaction with carisoprodol.

Carisoprodol disease interactions

There are 3 disease interactions with carisoprodol which include:

• porphyria
• drug dependence
• renal/liver disease

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More about carisoprodol

• carisoprodol consumer information
• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (298)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: skeletal muscle relaxants
• Breastfeeding
• En español

Related treatment guides

• Muscle Spasm
• Nocturnal Leg Cramps

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major	Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate	Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor	Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown	No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Carisoprodol oral tablet – Drink-Drink

Key features of carisoprodol

1. Carisoprodol oral tablets are available in generic and brand name formulations. Trade name: Soma .
2. Carisoprodol is only available as a tablet that you take by mouth.
3. Carisoprodol is used to treat muscle pain.

Important warnings

• Drowsiness: Carisoprodol may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or use dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• Dependence: The use of carisoprodol may cause dependence (addiction). If this happens, abruptly stopping this medication may cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include trouble sleeping, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, or shaking and muscle twitching. They may also include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) or other mental problems. To prevent addiction, do not take this medicine for more than three weeks.
• Convulsions: Carisoprodol may cause convulsions. This risk is higher if it is used with multiple drugs that are misused or used at excessively high doses.

What is carisoprodol?

Carisoprodol is a prescription drug. It comes in the form of tablets that you take by mouth.

Carisoprodol is available as a brand name Soma . It is also available as a generic.

Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in all powers and shapes like the branded version.

Carisoprodol may be used as part of combination therapy. This means that you may need to take it with other medicines.

Why it is used

Carisoprodol is used for the short-term treatment of muscle pain. This drug should only be taken for two to three weeks.

How does it work?

Carisoprodol belongs to a class of drugs called muscle relaxants. A drug class is a group of drugs that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat these conditions.

Carisoprodol is believed to work by preventing the nervous system from sending pain signals to the brain.

Carisoprodol side effects

Carisoprodol oral tablet may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or use dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Carisoprodol may also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

More common side effects that may occur with carisoprodol include:

• Headache
• dizziness
• drowsiness expressed, they may go away within a few days or several weeks. If they get worse or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

  Serious side effects

  Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms are life threatening or if you think you need emergency medical attention. Serious side effects and their symptoms may include the following:

  • heart problems, symptoms may include:
    • rapid heartbeat
    • low blood pressure, which may cause fainting
    • flushing of the face (sudden flushing)
  • problems with the nervous system, symptoms may include:
    • problems getting your muscles to move the way you want them to
    • feeling excited or irritable
    • greedy
    • unsteadiness
  • stomach problems, symptoms may include:
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • abdominal pain (in the abdomen)
  • blood problems such as a decrease in white blood cells or other types of blood cells; these problems increase the risk of infection

  Carisoprodol may interact with other medicines.

  

  Carisoprodol oral tablet may interact with other medicines, vitamins or herbs you are taking. An interaction is when a substance changes how a drug works. This may harm or interfere with the drug.

  To avoid interactions, your doctor must carefully prescribe all of your medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you are taking. To find out how this drug may interact with other medicines you are taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

  Examples of drugs that may interact with carisoprodol are listed below.

  Interactions that increase the risk of side effects

  • Side effects from other drugs: Taking carisoprodol with certain drugs increases the risk of side effects from these drugs. Examples of such drugs include:
    • Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, diazepam or flurazepam.
      • Increased side effects may include drowsiness.
    • Opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or codeine.
      • Increased side effects may include drowsiness.
    • Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, doxepin or imipramine.
      • Increased side effects may include drowsiness.
    • Meprobamat.
      • Increased side effects may include drowsiness. This is because your body converts carisoprodol to meprobamate. This increases the amount of meprobamate in the body and increases its side effects.
  • Side effects of carisoprodol: Taking carisoprodol with certain medications increases the risk of side effects of carisoprodol. This is because the amount of carisoprodol in your body may be increased. Examples of such drugs include:
    • Drugs such as omeprazole or fluvoxamine.
      • If you are taking these drugs with carisoprodol, your doctor may monitor side effects more closely.

  Interactions that may make your medicines not work as well

  • When carisoprodol is used with certain medicines, it may not work to treat your condition. This is because the amount of carisoprodol in your body may be reduced. Examples of such drugs include:
    • Drugs such as St. John’s wort or rifampin.
      • If you are taking these drugs with carisoprodol, your doctor may increase your carisoprodol dosage.

  Carisoprodol Warnings

  This drug has several warnings.

  Allergy Prevention

  Carisoprodol may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the throat or tongue

  If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

  Do not take this drug again if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to a drug called meprobamate. Repeated use may be fatal (cause death).

  Alcohol Interaction Warning

  Carisoprodol may cause drowsiness. Drinking drinks containing alcohol can increase drowsiness. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

  Warnings for people with certain medical conditions

  For people with porphyria: Do not take carisoprodol. This may worsen your condition.

  For people with an enzyme (CYP2C19) that works slowly: The CYP2C19 enzyme helps your body process carisoprodol. The genetic mutation causes the enzyme to process the drug more slowly. As a result, you may have higher levels of carisoprodol in your body. This increases the risk of side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of this drug for you.

  For people with liver problems: This drug is processed in your body by your liver. If your liver is not working properly, your body may process this drug more slowly. This may cause more side effects. To prevent this, your doctor may prescribe you a lower dosage of this drug.

  For people with kidney problems: This drug is excreted by the kidneys. If your kidneys are not working properly, your body may excrete this drug more slowly. This can increase the amount of the drug in the body and cause more side effects. To prevent this, your doctor may prescribe you a lower dosage of this drug.

  Warnings for other groups

  For pregnant women: Carisoprodol is a category C pregnancy drug. This means two things:

  1. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus when the drug is taken by the mother.
  2. There have not been enough human studies to be sure how the drug may affect the fetus.

  Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

  Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this drug.

  For lactating women: Carisoprodol may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a breast-fed infant. This drug may also decrease the amount of milk your body produces.

  Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medicine.

  For the elderly: This medicine has not been studied in adults over 65 years of age. It should not be used in people in this age group.

  For children: This drug has not been studied in children under 17 years of age. It should not be used in children in this age group.

  How to take carisoprodol

  All possible dosages and dosage forms cannot be included here. Your dosage, dosage form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

  • Your age
  • The condition being treated
  • How bad is your condition
  • Other medical conditions you have
  • How do you respond to the first dose

  Forms and strengths

  Generic: Carisoprodol

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 250mg, 350mg

  Brand: Soma

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 250mg, 350mg

  Muscle pain dosage

  Adult dosage (age 17 to 64)

  • Typical dosage: 250–350 mg 1,400 once a day and at bedtime. This is a total of four times a day (XNUMX mg/day).

  Pediatric dosage (ages 0 to 16 years)

  • The use of this drug in children under 17 years of age has not been studied. It should not be used in children in this age group.

  Senior dosage (age 65 and over)

  • This medicine has not been studied in adults over 65 years of age. It should not be used in people in this age group.

  Take as directed

  Carisoprodol is used for short term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

  If you suddenly stop taking a drug or don’t take it at all: If you do not take this drug, your muscle pain may continue or get worse. If you stop taking this drug suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. They may include trouble sleeping, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, or trembling and muscle twitching. They may also include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) or other mental problems.

  If you miss doses or don’t take your medicine as scheduled: Your medicine may not work or stop working completely. For this drug to work well, there must be a certain amount in your body at all times.

  If you take too much: You may have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. This risk is higher if this medicine is used with several drugs that are used incorrectly or are taken in excessively high doses. Overdose symptoms of this drug may include:

  • low blood pressure
  • rapid heartbeat
  • shortness of breath
  • seizures
  • delusions (believing something is not true)
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing unreal things)
  • unusual excitement
  • vision problems
  • muscle stiffness and incoordination
  • coma
  • death

  9000 2 If you think you have taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or to your local poison control center. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

  What to do if you miss an appointment: Take the dose as soon as you remember. But if you only remember a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This can lead to dangerous side effects.

  How to find out if the drug will work: You need to relieve muscle pain.

  Important considerations when taking carisoprodol

  Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes carisoprodol for you.

  General

  • Take this drug at the time your doctor tells you to.
  • You can take carisoprodol with or without food. Taking it with food can help reduce indigestion.
  • The tablet may be cut or crushed.

  Memory

  • Store carisoprodol at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Keep this medication away from light.
  • Do not store this medicine in damp or damp places such as bathrooms.
  • Keep this medicine in a tightly closed container.

  Refills

  The prescription for this medicine is refillable. You do not need a new prescription to refill this medicine. Your doctor will write down the number of additives allowed in your prescription.

  Travel

  If you are traveling with medication:

  • Carry your medication with you at all times. During the flight, never put it in your checked baggage. Keep it in your hand luggage.
  • Don’t worry about the X-ray machines at the airport. They cannot harm your medicine.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medications. Always carry the original box with the prescription label with you.
  • Do not put this medicine in the glove compartment of your car or leave it in your car. Avoid this in very hot or very cold weather.

  Clinical monitoring

  You and your doctor need to monitor certain health problems. This may help you stay safe while taking this drug. These problems include:

  • Kidney and liver function. Blood tests can check how well your kidneys and liver are working. If your kidneys or liver are not working properly, your doctor may lower the dosage of this drug.
  • Misuse or dependence. This drug may cause dependence (dependence). Call your doctor if you feel like you are using too much carisoprodol or that you need it to get through the day.

  Availability

  Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling out your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure they have it.

  Hidden costs

  You may need to have blood tests to check kidney and liver function while taking this drug. The cost of these tests will depend on your insurance.

  Insurance

  Many insurance companies require prior authorization to take this drug. This means that your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

  Are there alternatives?

  There are other medicines available to treat your condition. Some may suit you better than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may help you.

  List of Substances

  90. Carisoprodol

  Sources:

  – Mathias B. Forrester, Carisoprodol abuse in Texas, 1998–2003, J Med Toxicol. 2006 Mar; 2(1): 8–13. doi: 10.1007/BF03161006

  – Reeves, R. R., Pinkofsky, H. B., & Carter, O. S. (1997). Carisoprodol: A drug of continued abuse. Mayank Gupta, Case Report: Carisoprodol Abuse in Adolescence, Cureus 12(11): e11525, DOI: 10.7759/ cureus.11525

  Additional sources:

  https://www.drugsdata.org/view.php?id=9454

  Active ingredient: Carisoprodol

  Nomenclature name: 2-[(Carbamoyloxy)methyl]-2 -methylpentyl propan-2-ylcarbamate

  Molecular formula: C12h34N2O4

  Molecular weight: 260.33

  Initiator/Territorial unit: USA

  Russian Federation: Carisoprodol has not been controlled.

  Republic of Belarus: control over the circulation of Carisoprodol has not been established.

  Substance control status shown corresponds to the date the alert was created.

  Carisoprodol, a uniquely structured psychoactive drug, a muscle relaxant sold under the trade name Soma, is used to treat musculoskeletal pain following sprains and muscle injuries. Refers to GABAergic drugs (neurotransmitter of GABA receptors). Carisoprodol is a modification of meprobamate, the “classic” controlled substance. Unlike meprobamate, it has better muscle relaxation properties, it actually acts as a “prodrug”. A significant proportion of carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate, which after administration reaches higher peak plasma levels than carisoprodol itself. This largely explains the high abuse potential of carisoprodol.

  Carisoprodol, like meprobamate, can cause physical dependence similar to barbiturate after periods of prolonged use. The combination of carisoprodol with opioids and benzodiazepines is referred to as the “Holy Trinity” because it is reported to increase the strength and duration of euphoria.