Author: Alex Thompson

Abuse Potential of Soma®: the GABAA Receptor as a Target PMC

Despite its status as a Schedule IV controlled substance, it’s common for people to use Soma recreationally and form an addiction. The best way to reduce the risk of Soma addiction is to only take it for ashort timeand to follow prescription instructions. Signs of Soma addiction include the compulsive use of the drug or being unable to stop using. Someone addicted to Soma will often continue to take it despite negative consequences and effects. Someone who is addicted to Soma may “doctor shop” to get multiple prescriptions or steal it from friends or family.

  1. The best way to reduce the risk of Soma addiction is to only take it for ashort timeand to follow prescription instructions.
  2. In severe cases the withdrawal can mimic the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal including the potentially lethal status epilepticus.
  3. We have now discovered that carisoprodol itself has very prominent actions in the CNS (38).
  4. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.
  5. Carisoprodol withdrawal can be life-threatening (especially in high dose users and those who attempt to quit “cold turkey”).
  6. Using behavioral and molecular pharmacological approaches, we recently demonstrated carisoprodol, itself, is capable of modulating GABAAR function in a manner similar to central nervous system depressants.

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It is metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 oxidase isozyme CYP2C19, excreted by the kidneys and has about an eight-hour half-life. Carisoprodol, meprobamate, and related drugs such as tybamate, have the potential to produce physical dependence of the barbiturate type following periods of prolonged use. Withdrawal of the drug after extensive use may require hospitalization in medically compromised patients. In severe cases the withdrawal can mimic the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal including the potentially lethal status epilepticus. Unfortunately, some people misuse it by combining it with alcohol or other drugs.

Soma Overdose: Signs, Symptoms & Getting Treatment

Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Overdose symptoms may include vision problems, confusion, hallucinations, muscle stiffness, loss of coordination, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, seizure, or coma. Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

This medication should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor. Long-term, consistent treatment is essential for achieving lasting addiction recovery, often involving a combination of therapy, support groups, and other supportive measures. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.

Soma Effects, Risks, and Treatment

Its functional similarities with this highly addictive class of drugs may contribute to the abuse potential of carisoprodol. The site of action of carisoprodol has not been identified; based on our studies, interaction with benzodiazepine or barbiturate sites is unlikely. These recent findings, when coupled with numerous reports in the literature, support the contention that the non-controlled status of carisoprodol should be reevaluated.

Long-term use of Soma can result in physical health problems, such as organ damage, seizures and respiratory problems. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with carisoprodol. You should refer to the prescribing information for carisoprodol for a complete list of interactions. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed.

What Makes Soma Addictive?

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. This dose is effective for most people and should not bring about some of the more profound side effects of the drug.Soma’s side effectscan include extreme drowsiness, sedation, dizziness and headache. Less common side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, irritability, nervousness and nausea. The medication should be used no longer than three weeks unless instructed by a physician. We have now discovered that carisoprodol itself has very prominent actions in the CNS (38). Initial studies were conducted at the whole-animal level to assess the likelihood that carisoprodol acts via the GABAergic system.

Withdrawal

Thus, slight structural differences in this class of molecules can lead to drastic changes in drug-receptor interactions. There is a paucity of animal studies investigating the abuse liability of carisoprodol. Thus, mechanistic information underlying its abuse potential is sparse. Carisoprodol undergoes hepatic biotransformation by the cytochrome P450 enzyme 2C19 (CYP2C19).

Response and effectiveness

Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Even when used as prescribed, Soma carries side effects. Addiction to the drug only increases your risk of experiencing more frequent and severe side effects. People with a history of substance addiction should seek professional medical advice before taking Soma.

Soma abuse can include taking a higher dose or taking it more often than prescribed. Other Soma abuse signs can include taking it without a prescription or combining it with other substances to increase the effects. Another sign of Soma abuse is taking it for longer than prescribed.