Carisoprodol
SOMA
What it isGABA-A-active central muscle relaxant; short-term relief of acute musculoskeletal pain.
Why this oneIt is the common muscle relaxant uniquely converted to the sedative meprobamate.
What limits itSedation, dependence, misuse, and withdrawal make it a Schedule IV drug best avoided when safer alternatives exist.
FDA-approved for
- muscle spasm (1959)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute musculoskeletal pain | Adults | 350 mg TID + QHS | 350 mg TID + QHS |
Renal Not evaluated; use caution (renally excreted; dialyzable)
Hepatic Not evaluated; use caution (hepatically metabolized)
Recommended maximum duration of use is 2–3 weeks
Instructions
- Limit use to 2–3 weeks
- Avoid concomitant alcohol/other CNS depressants
Contraindications
- Acute intermittent porphyria
- Hypersensitivity to a carbamate (e.g., meprobamate)
Cautions
- Sedation — impairs driving/operating machinery
- Abuse, dependence, and withdrawal (metabolite meprobamate is controlled)
- Seizures
- Additive CNS depression with alcohol/benzodiazepines/opioids
- Higher exposure in reduced CYP2C19 activity
Adverse reactions
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
Pregnancy Decades of use without identified risk; animal data show reduced fetal survival at high doses
Lactation Present in breastmilk; monitor breastfed infant for sedation
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskMetabolized to meprobamate; sedation and dependence
Cost, est. cash$5–$150/month
Generic entry1982
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
Mechanism of action: Carisoprodol ballicule
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