Carisoprodol, marketed under the brand name Soma among others, is a medication used for musculoskeletal pain. Use is only approved for up to three weeks. Effects generally begin within half an hour and last for up to six hours. It is taken by mouth.
Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and sleepiness. Serious side effect may include addiction, allergic reactions, and seizures. In people with a sulfa allergy certain formulations may result in problems. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not clear. Meprobamate and other muscle-relaxing drugs often were subjects of misuse in the 1950s and 60s.Overdose cases were reported as early as 1957, and have been reported on several occasions since then.
Carisoprodol is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys so this drug must be used with caution with patients that have impaired hepatic or renal function. Because of potential for more severe side effects, this drug is on the list to avoid for elderly people.
The Carisoprodol Rapid Test is a rapid urine screening test that can be performed without the use of an instrument. The test utilizes a monoclonal antibody to selectively detect elevated levels of Carisoprodol in urine. The Carisoprodol Rapid Test (Urine) yields a positive result when Carisoprodol in urine exceeds 2000ng/mL.