Drug Name

Carisoprodol

Drug Uses

Carisoprodol is used for treating discomfort associated with certain painful muscle conditions. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy.

How Taken

Use Carisoprodol as directed by your doctor.

• Take Carisoprodol by mouth with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Carisoprodol is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It works in the brain and spinal cord to relax the muscles. It also causes drowsiness.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Carisoprodol and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Carisoprodol between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Carisoprodol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Carisoprodol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Carisoprodol or to similar medicines (e.g., meprobamate);
• you have the blood disorder porphyria;
• you take sodium oxybate (GHB) or meprobamate.

• Carisoprodol may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Carisoprodol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Carisoprodol.
• Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Carisoprodol; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Carisoprodol may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose or use Carisoprodol for longer than 2 to 3 weeks without checking with your doctor.
• Rarely, some patients have experienced an unexpected reaction within minutes or hours after taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or seek medical care right away if you develop severe weakness, paralysis of the arms or legs, severe dizziness, loss of coordination, vision changes (e.g., loss of vision, double vision), joint pain, or mental or mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, disorientation).
• Use Carisoprodol with caution in Asian patients; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Carisoprodol should not be used in chidren younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Carisoprodol while you are pregnant. Carisoprodol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Carisoprodol, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Dizziness; drowsiness; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; hoarseness); agitation; confusion; disorientation; eye pain or irritation; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; joint pain; loss of coordination; mood or mental changes; paralysis in the arms and legs; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness; severe weakness; tremors; vision changes (e.g., loss of vision, double vision).

More Information

If you have any questions about , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Carisoprodol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.