Soma?
Soma sounded familiar, but as a drug in some SF story I read a long time ago (Ray Bradbury?) ...
I checked, then, on Medline. If you have your MC take soma, you should know it's generic name is ...
Carisoprodol
(kar eye soe proe' dole)
Why is this medication prescribed?
Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Carisoprodol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times daily and at bedtime. It may be taken with or without food. Take carisoprodol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking carisoprodol,
· tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to carisoprodol, meprobamate (Equanil, Meprospan, Miltown, Neuramate), or any other drugs.
· tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for allergies, coughs, or colds; muscle relaxants; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
· tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
· tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking carisoprodol, call your doctor.
· you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how carisoprodol affects you.
· remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Carisoprodol may cause an upset stomach. Take carisoprodol with food or milk.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Carisoprodol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
· drowsiness
· dizziness
· clumsiness
· headache
· fast heart rate
· upset stomach
· vomiting
· skin rash
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
· difficulty breathing
· fever
· weakness
· burning in the eyes