Soma, a muscle relaxant medication that was FDA-approved back in 1959, has turned out to be quite an effective treatment for lower back pain for many patients. After a 2009 clinical trial, a lower 250mg dose of Soma (carisoprodol) was approved particularly for back pain. Most patients participating in the trail showed improvement after two days.
Back pain is an unpleasant to severely painful condition that most of us will unfortunately experience in our lifetimes. This pain can be the result of a variety of different causes, and the source of pain can be in the nerves, joints, bones, ligaments or muscles. Back pain can be defined as being acute, chronic or neuropathic. Soma is mostly prescribed to treat acute musculoskeletal pain in the lower back. This includes pain that originates in the muscles, ligaments or joints. However, Soma has also been prescribed for and effective in the treatment of chronic pain, including chronic pain from degenerative diseases.
Soma Side Effects
Soma is not commonly prescribed for chronic pain or long-term use because it can be addictive. Some people have become highly dependent on Soma and have had serious trouble getting off the medication. In addition to the dependency risk, Soma can make some people drowsy and dizzy, but this side effect often decreases over time. Drowsiness occurred in only one quarter of the test group in the 2009 trial for the 250mg dose. Other side effects that have been reported include headache, elevated heart rate and upset stomach.
Who should NOT consider Soma for back pain?
As Soma affects the body in a way that is similar to barbiturates, it can be addictive for some people. Those with a history of addiction or drug and alcohol dependency should probably not use Soma for more than a few days at a time, if at all. Talk to your doctor about any history of drug dependency. Also, those with a family history of addiction or dependency are at higher risk for developing an addiction.
Those taking certain prescription medications that depress the central nervous systems such as sleeping pills, sedatives, opioids, barbiturates and certain cold medications should not take Soma. Some antidepressants, including St. John’s wort, can also interact dangerously with Soma. Always tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking when you ask him or her about using Soma. Lastly, pregnant women should not use this medication. If you are breastfeeding or over the age of 60, talk to your doctor about the risks.
If you decide Soma is right for you and your doctor agrees, use our Soma discount coupons to help get up to 75% off the retail price of your prescription. We also provide a coupon for the generic version of the same medication, carisoprodol.
