{"id":630846,"date":"2024-12-30T14:28:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T19:28:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630846"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:55:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:55:06","slug":"is-soma-controlled-substance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-soma-controlled-substance\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Soma a controlled substance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Soma, the brand name for the generic medication Carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxant given to those with pain related to musculoskeletal conditions. The prescription drug is part of the skeletal muscle relaxant class of medications. Due to the risk of substance abuse on this medicine, some may wonder if Soma is considered a controlled substance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We went to the medical experts to learn everything you want to know about Soma and its potential for drug abuse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Soma a controlled substance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cYes, Soma is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States,\u201d said Dr. Andrew Youssouf, a dual board-certified physician and Medical Director at Ikon Recovery. \u201cThis means it has recognized medical uses but also carries a risk of misuse, dependency, or abuse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Soma is not a narcotic. Soma is a controlled substance, but only medications belonging to the opioid drug class are considered narcotics. Soma is not an opioid; it is part of the skeletal muscle relaxant drug class.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like narcotics, there is a potential for patients to misuse Soma, especially for those who have a history of substance abuse. Due to the increased risk, doctors and other healthcare professionals use caution when dispensing this prescription medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are there any risks of Soma misuse?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As Soma is a schedule IV controlled substance, that means there are risks of misuse, abuse, and dependency.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe use of Soma has fallen out of favor because of its potential for abuse and addiction,\u201d said Dr. <\/span>Shana Johnson<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona.<\/span><\/p>\n

The addictive nature of Soma is likely because it can induce a feeling similar to <\/span>barbiturates <\/span><\/a>(ex: <\/span>phenobarbital<\/span><\/a>), like mild short-term euphoria, decreased anxiety, lack of inhibition, and impaired judgment. This is because of how Soma works.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of directly relaxing the muscles, Soma works on the central nervous system (CNS) by altering how pain signals are processed between the brain and spinal cord,\u201d said Dr. Youssouf. \u201cThis helps reduce the sensation of pain and makes it easier for muscles to relax.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There is a risk of side effects to consider when taking this product. Common side effects of Soma include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n