Carisoprodol

What do I need to know about Carisoprodol?
You must use caution when driving an automobile, operating machinery, or performing other kinds of hazardous or strenuous activities. For some, Carisoprodol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If dizziness or drowsiness is experienced, it is best to avoid dangerous or strenuous activities entirely. Use alcohol with caution since it may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are using Carisoprodol.

What is Carisoprodol?
Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. It also reduces substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Carisoprodol is normally used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions. Carisoprodol may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Who should not take Carisoprodol?
Avoid Carisoprodol if you have acute intermittent porphyria. Before taking Carisoprodol, inform your doctor if you have or have had kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or need to be specially monitored during your therapy. o Do not take Carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant since it is not yet known whether Carisoprodol will harm an unborn baby.. o Do not take Carisoprodol without first consulting your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby since it has not been confirmed whether Carisoprodol passes into breast milk. o Carisoprodol is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I take Carisoprodol?
Follow your doctor's directions when taking Carisoprodol. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. o Take each dose with a full glass of water. The maximum amount of Carisoprodol you should take in one day is 4 tablets or 1,400 mg. Store Carisoprodol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Avoid taking a double dose of this medication. Try to keep your doses at least 4 hours apart.

What happens if I overdose?
If you think you have inadvertently overdosed, seek emergency medical attention immediately. o Symptoms of a Carisoprodol overdose include low blood pressure which results in weakness, fainting or confusion. Further symptoms are decreased breathing and unconsciousness.

What are the possible side effects of Carisoprodol?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Carisoprodol immediately and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction which may be symptomized by difficulty in breathing; the swelling or closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or breaking out in hives
• paralysis, loss of feeling, or extreme weakness
• vision reduction or loss
• agitation, tremor or shaking

The following less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If this happens, you may continue to take Carisoprodol but you should consult your doctor if you experience

• drowsiness or dizziness
• headache
• depression
• blurred vision
• insomnia
• hiccups

Further side effects may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or especially troublesome.

What other drugs will affect Carisoprodol?
Many drugs can amplify the effects of Carisoprodol, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others; · narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others)
• sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal)
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or · antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Carisoprodol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.