What is carisoprodol?

• Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
• Carisoprodol is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.
• Carisoprodol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take carisoprodol?

• Do not take carisoprodol if you have acute intermittent porphyria.
• Before taking carisoprodol, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.
• It is not known whether carisoprodol will harm an unborn baby. Do not take carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is also not known whether carisoprodol passes into breast milk. Do not take carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Carisoprodol is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I take carisoprodol?

• Take carisoprodol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• The maximum amount of carisoprodol you should take in one day is 1,400 mg (4 tablets).
• Store carisoprodol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Try to keep your doses at least 4 hours apart.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a carisoprodol overdose include low blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking carisoprodol?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Carisoprodol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking carisoprodol.

What are the possible side effects of carisoprodol?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking carisoprodol and seek emergency medical attention:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • paralysis (loss of feeling) or extreme weakness;
  • vision loss; or
  • agitation or tremor.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take carisoprodol and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • drowsiness or dizziness;
  • headache;
  • depression;
  • blurred vision;
  • insomnia; or
  • hiccups.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What drug(s) may interact with carisoprodol?

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital
• cimetidine
• isoniazid (INH)
• medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
• medicines for HIV or AIDS
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety, or emotional disturbances
• medicines for pain
• medicines for seizures (convulsions) or epilepsy
• medicines for sleep
• modafinil
• omeprazole
• other muscle relaxants
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• voriconazole