Carisoprodol Oral

Uses This medication is used to treat pain and discomfort from muscle injuries such as strains, sprains, and spasms. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments (e.g., anti-inflammatory medication). Carisoprodol is called a centrally acting muscle relaxant. It works on the nerves to relieve muscle pain. It may also relieve pain by calming your nervous system.

How to use Carisoprodol Oral Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will usually direct you to take this medication for your current injury only. Do not save this drug for future use. Follow your doctor's directions on when to reduce your dose, take it less often, or stop taking it. This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., stomach cramps, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal when stopping extended/regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted. Tell your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen after 2 to 3 weeks.

Before taking carisoprodol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to meprobamate, tybamate, or mebutamate; or if you have any other allergies. Also tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual reaction to carisoprodol or any of the medications listed above. This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: acute intermittent porphyria. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, history of regular alcohol/drug abuse, asthma, seizure disorder. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving, swimming or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may rarely harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss reliable forms of birth control. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, tell your doctor immediately. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, unusually fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, or face flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Sometimes carisoprodol may cause a very rare but serious reaction (idiosyncratic) that occurs within minutes or hours of the first dose of this medication. Seek immediate medical attention and do not take more of the medication if you experience: extreme weakness, inability to move your legs/arms, shaky/unsteady movement, pain in your joints, vision changes (double vision, inability to see), widened pupils, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, restlessness, unexplained mood swings, confusion). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: melatonin, other muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., zolpidem, temazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medications (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Alcoholic beverages will also increase the drowsiness effect. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.