Carisoprodol
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol belongs to muscle relaxant group of medicines. It acts in the brain and spinal cord to cause muscle relaxation. It also causes drowsiness and/or sedation.
Therapeutic Uses of Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol is used in the treatment of painful muscle conditions along with physiotherapy.
Direction of use of Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol should be used as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken orally along with food or on empty stomach. If you have any question about how to use Carisoprodol ask your doctor.
Dose of Carisoprodol, if Missed
If a dose of Carisoprodol is missed, take it as soon as you remember it if you are using it regularly. If it is almost time to take next dose of Carisoprodol, than skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take 2 doses of Carisoprodol at a time.
How to Store Carisoprodol
It should be stored at room temperature i.e. between 68 and 77 degree F (20-25 degree Centigrade). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) can be done without any problem. Store it away from the reach of children. It should be stored away from moisture, heat and sunlight.
More Information About Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol should be consumed by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Don’t share it with anyone. If you have any doubt about Carisoprodol consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Carisoprodol
You should not use Carisoprodol if you have any of the following:
- If you are allergic to Carisoprodol or any medicine similar to Carisoprodol.
- If you are on sodium oxybate or meprobamate.
- If you have disorder known as porphyria.
Important notes:
- Carisoprodol can cause dizziness or drowsiness which is more pronounced if alcohol or certain medicines are taken along with Carisoprodol. Do not drive or perform duties that need constant attention and risky, till you know how you react to Carisoprodol. You should not drink alcohol while on Carisoprodol.
- Pregnancy and lactation: do not take Carisoprodol if you are pregnant and consult your doctor if you become pregnant while taking it, because you need to discuss about risk and benefit of using it during pregnancy. It is secreted in the breast milk and if you are breast feeding you need to consult your doctor about it.
- Carisoprodol should not be used in children below 12 years of age, because the efficacy and safety of Carisoprodol is not established in children.
- You should not take it more than 2 to 3 weeks unless your doctor advises you to do so. It should not be used more than recommended.
- Check with your doctor if you are using medicines that cause sedation or drowsiness (muscle relaxants or sleeping pills) when you are on Carisoprodol, because it may cause additive effect.
- Asians can be more sensitive to Carisoprodol, so use it with caution in them.
- Alcohol, hot and humid weather, fever, exercise can increase the effects like fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness etc of Carisoprodol. To prevent these side effects take rest at the first sign of these symptoms and stand up and sit up slowly.
- Some patients may experience unexpected reactions with Carisoprodol within minutes to hours of taking Carisoprodol. If you get anything like these contact your doctor immediately.
- Consult your doctor if you are suffering from any effects like mood change (agitation, disorientation, confusion etc.), vision change (diplopia or double vision, loss of vision), joint pain, loss of coordination, paralysis of the arms, paralysis of the legs etc.
Possible Adverse Effects
- Most common side effects of Carisoprodol are nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset etc.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you get any of the uncommon but severe side effects like severe allergic reaction (breathing difficulty, chest discomfort, rash, itching, swelling of lips, face, mouth etc.), mental confusion, agitation, disorientation, loss of coordination, fainting, fever, high pulse rate, irregular heart beat, seizures, severe weakness, severe dizziness, tremors etc.