Soma (Carisoprodol
 Brand ) is used, along with rest and other measures, for the relief of shoulder pain, neck pain, and spasms due to injury.

A very important point; Soma alone will not heal your muscles or fix shoulder pain, neck pain, spasms or chronic lower back pain . It is important to follow a doctor prescribed program of physical therapy, rest, and/or exercise.

Another important point is to not attempt more physical activity than is recommended, especially since Soma can give one that impression that all is well when in fact, all is not well. Especially when looking for relief of shoulder pain, neck pain, and spasms due to injury.

Taking Soma exactly as prescribed by your doctor is an absolute must. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if only an hour or so has passed. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Many writers play down the effects of drugs like Soma by writing their effects in sentences diminishing the reader's ability to see the effects quickly. I have taken the time to make all of the possible effects easier to see.

Drug companies and many doctors do not like this approach because it tends to diminish sales, however I believe that patient should be able to see the possible effects immediately due to the expedient nature of the need for relief of shoulder pain, neck pain, and spasms due to injury..

The side effects of taking Soma cannot be predicted, however, here is a list of possibilities:

- Agitation
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Facial flushing
- Fainting
- Headache
- Hiccups
- Inability to fall or stay asleep
- Irritability
- Light-headedness upon standing up
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Stomach upset
- Tremors
- Vertigo
- Vomiting

Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Soma.

Allergic reactions usually seen between the first and fourth doses in patients who have never taken Soma before include:

- Itching
- Red welts on the skin
- Skin rash

A more severe allergic reaction may include symptoms such as:

- Asthmatic attacks
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
- Stinging of the eyes
- Swelling due to fluid retention
- Weakness.

Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced and do not take Soma if you have porphyria (an inherited blood disorder).

In rare cases, the first dose of Soma may cause unusual symptoms that appear within minutes or hours of taking the medication. Symptoms reported include:

- Agitation
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Enlargement of pupils
- Extreme weakness
- Exaggerated feeling of well-being
- Lack of coordination
- Speech problems
- Temporary loss of vision
- Temporary paralysis of arms and legs

These symptoms usually subside within a few hours. If you experience any of them, contact your physician immediately.

Soma may impair the mental or physical abilities you need to drive a car or operate dangerous machinery. Do not participate in hazardous activities until you know how Soma affects you.

If you have a history of drug dependence, make sure your doctor is aware of it before you start taking Soma because it seems to be addictive. Withdrawal symptoms:

- Abdominal cramps
- Chilliness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea

The above have occurred in people who suddenly stop taking Soma.

You should be cautious if you have any kidney or liver problems when taking Soma and most importantly, Soma may intensify the effects of alcohol.

Soma, taken with certain other drugs, can increase, decrease, or alter their so check with your doctor before combining Soma with the following:

 Antidepressant drugs such as:

- Elavil
- Tofranil
- Nardil


Major tranquilizers such as:

- Haldol
- Stelazine
- Thorazine

Sedatives such as:

- Nembutal
- Halcion

Tranquilizers such as:

- Librium
- Valium
- Xanax