Carisoprodol Side Effects: What to Expect

Carisoprodol (brand name: Soma) is a skeletal muscle relaxer commonly prescribed to relieve muscle pain. However, its use can lead to several side effects that may interfere with daily activities. Some side effects can impair physical abilities, while others can affect cognitive function and behavior. When misused, carisoprodol can produce feelings of giddiness and relaxation. Unfortunately, this has led to more than 2.9 million individuals aged 12 and older using the medication nonmedically at least once in their lifetime in 2009.[1]

In this guide, you will learn how to identify the most common side effects of carisoprodol and those resulting from its abuse or misuse.

What is Carisoprodol?

Carisoprodol is a prescription muscle relaxer to treat muscle pain and spasms resulting from conditions like acute muscle injuries. It disrupts nerve signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and skeletal muscles, causing them to relax. However, the exact way it works to treat acute pain isn’t fully understood.[2]

This medication is listed as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance due to its higher-than-usual propensity for misuse and dependency.[3] Because of this, it is only FDA-approved for short-term pain relief and is not to be used for more than three weeks.[4]

Carisoprodol Dosing 

Carisoprodol has no off-label uses, and standard doses will differ from person to person. The amount of medicine someone needs will depend on their pain level, age, and current state of health.

Standard dosing for relieving muscle pain is:[5]

• Adults and teens over 16 years of age: 250 mg to 350 mg three times per day.
• Children under 16 years of age: There is no standard dosing for children under 16. The prescriber determines the use and dose.

Carisoprodol Warnings 

While carisoprodol is effective for most acute muscle pain, it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Before taking carisoprodol, tell your physician if you:

• are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
• work with heavy machinery or drive for a living
• are over the age of 65
• have an alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder
• drink regularly or abuse prescription medications
• if you use other prescription medications
• have had an allergic reaction to carisoprodol or meprobamate
• have a blood disease, liver disease, or kidney disease

What are the Physical Side Effects of Taking Carisoprodol?

Carisoprodol works by relaxing the muscles, which can lead to feelings of tiredness in those who use it.[4] This common side effect may affect a person’s ability to work, study, or complete household tasks. Users might also experience feelings of unsteadiness and disorientation, making it challenging to walk without stumbling. Some individuals describe this sensation as feeling “unsteady” or “off-balance.”

Other physical side effects of carisoprodol include:[6]

• fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• impaired muscle control
• problems with coordination
• trouble sleeping
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• discomfort in the throat, chest, or stomach
• heartburn
• fast breathing
• taking frequent deep breaths
• dry mouth
• nausea or vomiting

Carisoprodol may cause some individuals to feel as though their surroundings are moving.[5] Although uncommon, this sensation can lead to faintness or even passing out.

What are the Psychological Side Effects of Taking Carisoprodol?

The physical side effects of carisoprodol can cause feelings of uneasiness or anxiety in some individuals. While these side effects are common and typically resolve after stopping the medication, people with anxiety disorders may continue to experience these feelings even after discontinuing carisoprodol.[7]

Other psychological side effects users report are:[5]

• irritability
• mood swings
• nervousness
• restlessness

The psychological side effects of carisoprodol can significantly disrupt a person’s life and cause mental strain. Some users struggle to manage these effects, which can lead them to lash out at loved ones or isolate themselves in an attempt to “feel better.” This behavior may worsen depression in individuals who are already dealing with major depressive disorder.

What are the Side Effects of Carisoprodol Toxicity? 

Carisoprodol toxicity occurs when a person consumes more of the medication than prescribed.[8] This can result from various factors, such as doubling the dosage, taking it more frequently than instructed, or using other medications that prolong carisoprodol’s effects. Individuals with carisoprodol toxicity may struggle with speaking or staying awake. They need to seek immediate medical treatment to prevent potentially life-threatening complications and serious accidents.

Possible side effects that arise from taking too much carisoprodol include:[8]

• difficulty breathing
• vision changes
• increased pupil size
• headache
• shallow breathing
• slow breathing
• hallucinations
• irregular heartbeat
• strange facial expression
• pale blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• inability to blink
• altered consciousness
• muscle rigidity
• increased spasms and blinking
• weakness in the arms and legs

In some instances, carisoprodol toxicity can lead to coma or death. People who have overdosed on carisoprodol require immediate medical attention.

What are the Side Effects of Carisoprodol Misuse? 

Carisoprodol misuse happens when someone uses the medication in a way that differs from the prescribed instructions.[9] Although some individuals may accidentally take doses too closely together or forget that they’ve already taken a dose and take another, this does not constitute misuse. Misuse specifically refers to intentionally using the medication in a harmful way.

Examples of carisoprodol misuse include:

• crushing carisoprodol pills to snort them
• mixing carisoprodol with other medications to get high
• purchasing carisoprodol pills from someone else

Misusing carisoprodol can cause dangerous side effects that may continue long after stopping the medication.

They include, but are not limited to:

• impaired motor skills
• impaired mental alertness
• profound sedation
• seizures

How Long Do Carisoprodol Side Effects Last?

The most common side effects of carisoprodol will persist until the medication is completely cleared from the body. Carisoprodol has an elimination half-life of about two hours. It typically takes four to five half-lives for the medication to be fully eliminated, which amounts to approximately eight to ten hours.[10]

It is not possible to estimate how long it takes for someone to stop experiencing side effects from misuse or toxicity. This duration would depend on treatment outcomes and the severity of the side effects experienced.

How to Combat Carisoprodol Side Effects

The most effective way to manage the side effects of carisoprodol is to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Individuals who take carisoprodol during the day may want to consult their physician about adjusting their dosing schedule to minimize daytime drowsiness. Furthermore, taking the medication with food and water can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Special note: Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose. Misusing carisoprodol can lead to increased adverse side effects that cannot be mitigated. It also heightens the risk of dependency. If you believe you are becoming dependent on carisoprodol, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider or contact a substance treatment center for guidance. They can assist you in safely tapering off the medication and help you avoid further adverse effects.

Finding Treatment for Carisoprodol Addiction 

If you are taking more carisoprodol than recommended, it could lead to isolation from others. You might also find yourself missing school or work due to its effects. These signs may indicate that you are developing a dependency.

Dependency occurs when your body no longer reacts to carisoprodol as it used to. As a result, you may need to use larger amounts to achieve the desired effects.

If you believe you have a dependency on carisoprodol or find yourself craving it despite experiencing negative side effects, we are here to help.

At Southeast Addiction Center GA, we recognize the complexities of prescription drug addiction and are here to help you overcome it. We offer a variety of treatment programs, including cognitive behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic adjunct services. These programs are designed to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, helping to reduce the risk of overdose or relapse.

If you are ready to escape the cycle of carisoprodol misuse and its side effects, contact us to begin your journey to sobriety.