Carisoprodol Side Effects
Carisoprodol can produce certain adverse reactions in patients. Side effects associated with this drug include:
- Clumsy behaviors
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Eye burning
- Difficulty breathing
- Tachycardia
- Postural hypotension
- Rashes on skin
- Red skin welts
- High body temperature
- Facial flushing
- Syncope
- Sleeping difficulties
- Irritable feelings
- Lightheadedness when standing
- Facial tics
- Vertigo
- Tremors
- Ataxia
- Depressive reactions
- Hiccups
- Leukopenia
- Pancytopenia
Carisoprodol can cause allergic reactions in patients who have taken this medication for the first time. These reactions usually occur between the first and fourth doses of medication, with symptoms of:
- Low blood pressure
- Asthma attacks
- Eye stinging
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Swelling as a result of fluid retention
The following adverse reactions can appear after taking just the first dose of this medication:
- Disorientation
- Euphoria or exaggerated feelings of well-being
- Temporary paralysis of upper and lower extremities
- Double vision
- Enlarged pupils
- Temporary vision loss
Postmarketing studies have pointed out the occurrence of seizure in some patients. However, most of these cases occurred in patients who used Carisoprodol along with other central nervous system depressant drugs, illegal drugs, or alcohol.
Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:
Specific precautions
Patients may be advised to rest, exercise, and receive physical therapy along with taking Carisoprodol to get complete relief from muscle aches.
Patients should stop this medication very gradually, as abruptly stopping this medication can result in the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps
- Sleeping difficulties
- Headache
- Nausea
- Chills
The safety and effectiveness of this medication in pregnant woman, pediatric patients under the age of 16 years, and elderly patients above the age of 65 years has not been established. It is recommended that these patients use caution when taking Carisoprodol.
Patients should use this medication only for acute muscular pain and discomfort. Never use this medication more than two or three weeks.
The safety of this medication in patients with kidney or liver problems has not been clinically established. This medication should be used with caution in patients who have a history of kidney or liver disease.
Carisoprodol should be used with caution in patients who have reduced CYP2C19 activity.
Conditions or medications that may be affected by the drug or interact negatively with the drug
Patients should not use this medication if they have:
- History of dependence on this drug
- History of hypersensitivity allergic reactions to carisoprodol
- Hepatic diseases
- Renal diseases
- Acute porphyria
Questions to ask your physician
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following central nervous system depressants, as it may increase the side effects of either drug:
- Tranquilizers
- Other pain medications
- Sleeping pills
- Antihistamines
- Anesthetics (for dental procedures also)
- Narcotics
- Epilepsy medications
- Sedatives
- Barbiturates
- Medicines for hay fever
- Allergy medications
- Cold medications
Inform your physician if you are allergic to any of the following medications:
- Miltown
- Neuromate
- Meprospan
- Equanil
What to Avoid When Taking the Drug:
Food/alcohol
This medication can cause an upset stomach. It is better to take this medication along with food to avoid any stomach problems.
Patients should avoid alcohol intake while taking this medication. Carisoprodol can increase the central nervous system depressant nature of alcohol, barbiturates, opioids, narcotics, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. Patients who are using any of these drugs should be very careful while taking Carisoprodol.
Certain activities
Carisoprodol has sedative properties and can make patients feel dizzy or drowsy. This medication will affect the patient’s mental ability to handle risky tasks. Patients should avoid doing any actions that involve the potential for accidents like driving and operating dangerous machinery.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 30, 2010, 2:13 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
