Soma is the brand name for carisoprodol by Media Pharmaceuticals. It is a psychoactive, potentially addictive drug which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1959. Soma has central acting skeletal muscle relaxant properties and is prescribed for adults for the relief of acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Soma itself is slightly dissolvable in water, completely dissolvable in alcohol, and is taken orally and found in either pill or tablet form. Soma addiction is possible from both recreational use and prescription use. Some street names for Soma include D’s, Dance, Las Vegas Cocktail and Soma Soma. Soma can be bought over the internet without prescription for around $0.45 per pill. Prices decrease per pill when bought in bigger batches.
Carisoprodol works by acting on the central nervous system thereby blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. In the United States of America carisoprodol is not a federally controlled substance. In some states such as Arizona, Louisiana and Nevada carisoprodol is deemed a Schedule IV substance meaning it is illegal for recreational use or abuse but allowed to be prescribed for medical use.
Effects of Soma
Soma’s effects have a 30 minute onset of action and lasts normally between two and six hours.
Soma Effects Include
- Analgesia (pain killing)
- Anxiolysis (reduces anxiety)
- Muscle relaxation
- Sedation
- Somnolence (drowsiness)
Some recreational users take soma with other drugs such as codeine, diazepam or alcohol in order to enhance their effects.
Soma Side effects include:
- Agitation
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Facial flushing
- Fainting
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Impaired motor function
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Stomach problems
- Shaking
- Swelling of face/tongue/throat
- Tremors
Soma Overdose
Overdose symptoms include:
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Fast heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Vision problems
- Shallow breathing
- Paralysis (loss of feeling)
If any of these overdose effects happen one should go to the hospital immediately.
Soma is usually safe when prescribed by a doctor and the user keeps to the prescribed dosage and should not be prescribed for more than two to three weeks so as to decrease risk of developing addiction. When abused, and sometimes when kept to the recommended dosage, soma has a potential for psychological addiction as shown by severe craving cycles and increased stress when abstinent from use.
Soma Withdrawal
Soma has a rapid build of tolerance and can lead to physical dependency. Soma withdrawal symptoms can develop when abstinent and the effects include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Chills
- Nausea
- Problems with memory
If any of these withdrawals are felt consult your doctor. If soma is being used as a prescribed medication, or otherwise, is recommended to try to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This is possible by slowly decreasing dosage until finally abstinent from the drug altogether. It is also recommended, if addicted, to check into either a 24/7 detox center or treatment center. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous are available to all seeking to quit use of Soma or other drugs.