Although Soma does not relax skeletal muscles that are tense, it is considered a central skeletal muscle relaxant.  The medication has sedative properties which help to reduce severe muscle spasms in patients.

Soma is often prescribed to treat severe musculo-skeletal pain in combination with physical therapy, rest and additional pain relief strategies. However, you may not be able to take Soma if you have an allergic reaction to any related compounds such as carisoprodol meprobamate or if you suffer from acute porphyria.

Just like any medication, there are some risks associated with taking Soma.  For example, Soma has sedative properties that may cause impairment.  Therefore, patients should not operate any type of machinery or drive any type of motor vehicle while first taking Soma.

You may also become addicted to Soma, especially if you have suffered from drug abuse previously.  Additional possible side effects of taking the drug include agitation, disorientation, dizziness, confusion, temporary vision loss or severe weakness.  In most cases, the symptoms will disappear after a few hours.

If you are a woman who is breastfeeding or pregnant, you should not take Soma.  The effects have not yet been proven.  Studies have also revealed that breast milk contains a concentration of Soma that is 2 to 4 times higher than maternal plasma.  As a result, anyone who is nursing should not take Soma.

A small percentage of patients who have previously suffered seizure disorders and those without any history of such problems have had seizures when taking Soma.  If you have decreased kidney or liver function, you should be very careful; Soma is metabolized and excreted by your kidneys.  You may also suffer from side effects such as facial flushing, vomiting, insomnia, vertigo, dizziness, syncope, nausea and tachycardia.

A Soma overdose can cause depression of the central nervous system.  This can result in a rupture, coma, convulsions, shock or respiratory depression, and in extreme cases, even death.  Therefore, if you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention: euphoria, confusion, headaches, respiratory depression, blurred vision, muscle rigidity or incoordination or tachycardia.