Soma, also known generically as Carisoprodol, is a medication prescribed to treat acute musculoskeletal conditions. The medication is administered orally in a 350 mg tablet with the frequency to be determined by a physician. The onset of Soma is 30 minutes and peaks in about 4 hours, with the effects lasting 4 to 6 hours. As with all medications there is a possibility of adverse side effects. After beginning the medication, immediately report any side effects or unusual reactions to the prescribing physician.

The medication should be taken as prescribed by a physician and should not be shared with others. Report all medications you are taking to the attending doctor before taking Soma and report any unlisted side effects that occur. While taking Soma avoid narcotics, alcohol, cold and allergy medications, seizure medications, and antidepressants, which can add to the effects of sleepiness sometimes caused by Soma. The drug is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or children under 12 years of age.

The drug can be habit forming and withdrawal symptoms may occur upon stopping the medication suddenly. Therefore, the physician will likely taper you off the drug slowly. The drug may cause depression, impair thinking, or slow reaction time so you should not engage in driving or other potentially dangerous activities until you know how the medication affects you.

Possible side effects that you should seek emergency treatment for include hives, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat known as anaphylactic shock.

Stop the medication at once, and contact a physician if you experience any of the following side effects. Paralysis or loss of feeling, fever, chills, persistent sore throat, loss of vision, weakness, fainting, lack of coordination or light-headedness, ataxia, confusion or agitation, a rapid heartbeat or tachycardia, hypotension or low blood pressure, tightness in the chest, seizures or convulsions, and body pain or stiffness.

Less serious side effects that should be reported to the physician are drowsiness, dizziness or vertigo, postural hypotension, rash, facial flushing, slight tremors, headache, depression or mental changes, irritability, blurred vision, insomnia or persistent sleeping difficulties, nausea or vomiting, asthmatic episodes or hiccups, upset stomach or epigastric discomfort.