What is Carisoprodol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Carisoprodol overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Vanadom, Soma

Generic Names:

  • Carisoprodol

Uses:

  • Treats pain and stiffness from muscle spasms.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Skeletal Muscle Relaxant, Centrally Acting

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Carisoprodol used for?

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant which acts at the level of the central nervous system. Carisoprodol belongs to a class of medications called carbamates. Carisoprodol is a generic medication also available under the trade name Soma. Carisoprodol was discovered in 1959. Carisoprodol is sometimes formulated in combination with other medications such as acetaminophen.

What form(s) does Carisoprodol come in

  • Tablet

What are common Carisoprodol doses?

  • Tablet 250MG

  • Tablet 350MG

  • Jar 1GM of

Common Carisoprodol prescriptions

  • Carisoprodol
    250mg tablet

  • Carisoprodol
    350mg tablet

How to take Carisoprodol

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use. This medicine should only be used for 2 to 3 weeks.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use. This medicine should only be used for 2 to 3 weeks.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Carisoprodol

Carisoprodol contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to carisoprodol, meprobamate, or tybamate, or if you have a history of porphyria.

Carisoprodol warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or seizures, or you have a history of drug abuse or dependence.

  • Carisoprodol can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Carisoprodol interactions

  • Some medicines and foods can affect how carisoprodol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: fluvoxamineomeprazolerifampinSt John's wort

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor before you use any other medicine that makes you sleepy, such as allergy medicine or narcotic pain medicine.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Carisoprodol side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble breathing

  • Seizures

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness, fainting, or severe weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Changes in vision

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Trouble sleeping