$Unique_ID{BRK01867}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CARISOPRODOL}
$Subject{carisoprodol (various manufacturers)
Rela (Schering)
Soma (Wallace)
Soprodol (Schein)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CARISOPRODOL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     carisoprodol (various manufacturers)
     Rela (Schering)
     Soma (Wallace)
     Soprodol (Schein)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Muscle relaxant
INGREDIENT:
     carisoprodol
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (350 mg)
STORAGE:
     Carisoprodol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     This medication is used to relieve painful muscle conditions.  It should
be used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to
alleviate discomfort.  It is not clear exactly how carisoprodol works, but it
is thought to act as a central nervous system depressant.  It does not act
directly on muscles.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take carisoprodol with food
or with a full glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within an hour, take
the missed dose immediately.  If more than an hour has passed, do not take the
missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not
double the next dose of this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, hiccups, insomnia, nausea, stomach pain,
or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
agitation, depression, fainting, irritability, loss of coordination,
palpitations, or tremors.

INTERACTIONS
     Carisoprodol interacts with several other types of medications:
Concurrent use of it with other central nervous system depressants (such as
alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle
relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers, and
sleeping medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can lead to extreme
drowsiness.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to carisoprodol, meprobamate, or tybamate.
     * Before starting to take carisoprodol, tell your doctor if you now have
or if you have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (rash, fainting,
shortness of breath) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Carisoprodol has the potential for abuse and should be used with
caution.  Do not increase the dosage or stop taking the drug unless you first
consult your doctor.  If you have been taking carisoprodol for several months
and you stop taking it abruptly, you could experience a withdrawal reaction.
Your doctor may, therefore, want to decrease your dosage of the medication
gradually.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although carisoprodol
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies have not been conducted
in humans.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  This
medication passes into breast milk and can cause excessive drowsiness and
stomach upset in nursing infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
