Soma - Carisoprodol

In 1955, meprobamate (Figure 89.4) was introduced as a mild tranquilizer . It gained the epithet Happy Pills and was associated with abuse and habituation. In 1959, the drug was modified with an isopropyl group and marketed as a muscle relaxant, carisoprodol (Soma). Carisoprodol (Figure 89.5) is metabolized to meprobamate. Carisoprodol, like meprobamate, has addictive properties. Carisoprodol has been ranked number 14 of the 20 most abused mood-altering drugs in the USA [9,10]. 

The mode of action of many skeletal muscle relaxants, for example carisoprodol (Soma), baclofen (Lioresal), and chlorzoxazone (Paraflex), is not clearly understood. Many of tiiese dragp do not directly relax skeletal muscles, but dieir ability to relieve acute painful musculoskeletal conditions may be due to their sedative action. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) appears to have an effect on muscle tone, tiius reducing muscle spasm. 

Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Combinations Carisoprodol Compound—carisoprodol, aspirin Mexaphen—chlorzoxazone, acetaminophen Lobac—salicylamide, phenyltoloxamine, acetaminophen Norgesic Fbrte—orphenadrine citrate, aspirin, caffeine Norgesic—orphenadrine citrate, aspirin, caffeine Robaxisal—methocarbamol, aspirin Sodol Compound—carisoprodol, aspirin Soma Compound—carisoprodol, aspirin... 

Nonbarbiturates. After the introduction of the barbiturates, there was little progress in the medical treatment of anxiety until meprobamate (Equanil, Miltown) was introduced in 1950. Soon after its introduction, a series of similar medicines entered the market, including carisoprodol (Soma), glutethimide (Doriden), methaqualone (Qaalude, Sopor), methyprylon (Noludar), and ethchlorvynol (Placidyl). These medications have all been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms. 

Soma with codeine (C-lll) Muscle relaxant Analgesic Tab Carisoprodol 200 mg, aspirin 325 mg, codeine 16mg 1-2tabqid prn... 

Carisoprodol/ASA/Codeine Phosphate Soma compound w/ Codeine 325/200/16 mg tablets... 

Carisoprodol suppresses intemeuronal action of reticular formation of the spinal cord. It is used as an adjuvant drug for loss of flexibility of skeletal muscle as well as for relieving pain caused therein. Synonyms of this drag are rela, soma, carisoma, and sanoma. 

Baclofen (Lioresal Intrathecal, generic) Carisoprodol (Soma) Chlorzoxazone (Paraflex, Parafon Forte DSC, others)... 

Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics methocarbamol (Robaxin), carisoprodol (Soma), chlorzoxazone (Paraflex), metaxalone (Skelaxin), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and oxybutynin (Ditropan) Do not consider the extended-release Ditropan XL Most muscle relaxants and antispasmodic drugs are poorly tolerated by elderly patients, because these cause anticholinergic adverse effects, sedation, and weakness. Additionally, their effectiveness at doses tolerated by elderly patients is questionable. High... 

Parenteral 5000 units/mL for injection Carisoprodol (generic, Soma)... 

Overdosage with ethanol and sedative-hypnotic drugs (eg, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, 7-hydroxybutyrate [GHB], carisoprodol [Soma] see Chapters 22 and 23) occurs frequently because of their common availability and use. 

Reeves RR, Carter OS, Pinkofsky HB, et al. Carisoprodol (soma) abuse potential and physician un awareness. J Addict Dis. 1999 18 51-56. 

Meprobamate is available as tablets, an oral liquid, and extended-release capsules (Meprospan-200). Meprobamate is also the active metabolite of carisoprodol (Soma) an oral drug that is used as a muscle relaxant. 

The abuse of meprobamate has continued despite a substantial decrease in the clinical use of the drug. Carisoprodol (soma), a skeletal muscle relaxant whose active metabolite is meprobamate, also has abuse potential and has become a popular street drug. Meprobamate is preferred to the benzodiazepines by subjects with a history of drug abuse. After long-term medication, abrupt discontinuation evokes a withdrawal syndrome usually characterized by anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and, frequently, hallucinations generalized seizures occur in about 10% of cases. The intensity of symptoms depends on the dosage ingested. 

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