Soma
(Carisoprodol)

Soma is being sold as a street drug under names such as Soma Coma, Dance, Las Vegas Cocktail and DS. Therefore, the Drug Enforcement Agency is beginning to take notice. As with any drug, you should be aware of this so you can avoid accidental or intentional abuse.

What is Soma (Carispodol)

Soma is a muscle relaxant that is often prescribed to offer pain relief from muscle spasms or injuries. When taken excessively, Soma may cause relaxation, giddiness or drowsiness. Some people abuse carispodol by metabolizing it into the Schedule IV drug called meprobamate. The sale, distribution or manufacture of any Schedule IV drugs can be punishable by a $250,000 fine or up to 5 years of imprisonment for a first offense. The punishment for second offenses is doubled.

The Physical Appearance of Soma (Carispodol)

Soma tablets are round and convex with the word “SOMA” appearing on one side and the words “37 WALLACE 2001” on the other. If it is combined with codeine, the oval tablet will have 2 layers and be white and yellow with “SOMA CC” and “WALLACE 2403” on each side. If the drug is combined with aspirin, the round two-layered lavender and white tablets will be inscribed with “Par 246.”

The Abuse Of Soma (Carispodol)

Most Soma abusers take the drug orally and often with other drugs or alcohol. Many people combine Vicodin with Soma to experience an effect similar to heroin.

Most Common Abusers Of Soma (Carispodol)

Although people of any age abuse Soma, the youngest offenders are approximately 12 years old. California and Arizona have the highest rate of abuse because abusers can obtain the drug in Mexico under the name Somacid.

The Risks Of Taking Soma (Carispodol)

Soma is usually safe when prescribed by a doctor. However, when taken in excess, individuals may experience side effects such as drowsiness, vision loss, lack of coordination, blurred vision and dizziness. Weakness, depression, chest tightness, vomiting, a racing heartbeat and chills are other possible symptoms. Possible overdose symptoms include shock, coma and difficulty breathing. Soma abuse can also be fatal.

Carisoprodol or Soma is a drug that relieves muscle pain by influencing the polysynaptic and monosynaptic reflexes of the spine. Many individuals who suffer from spasm, muscle injuries, strains or sprains often purchase Soma. Many healthcare professionals including orthopedic surgeons, internists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, neurologists and family physicians may prescribe Soma.
Soma is skeletal muscle relaxant that can become addictive. The hepatic biotransformation of Soma exists in 3 primary metabolites: hydroxymeprobamate, meprobamate and hydroxycarisoprodol. Soma may be prescribed on an all-day or nighttime basis or only as required. The drug is most effective at providing acute muscle or musculoskeletal pain relief, rather than chronic pain relief.
However, Soma may cause drowsiness and can lose its effect with frequent use. It may also be associated with weight gain. Although Soma can provide pain relief, it will not address the actual cause of the pain. Drug therapies are often administered to patients even though there are not many guidelines concerning the type of medication that should be prescribed to manage specific pain problems.

Soma also has some disadvantages; it can lead to an overdose. If you believe you may have overdoses, contact your local emergency room or poison control center immediately. Possible overdose symptoms include fainting, facial flushing, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, nausea and a rapid heartbeat.

Extended use of Soma can increase the serum levels of meprobamate which can lead to addiction. Withdrawal can cause severe reactions such as comas or seizures. If you take Soma with alcohol, you may experience a narcotic-like reaction that includes symptoms such as confusion, agitation, euphoria, extreme weakness or dizziness.

Because it is a readily available prescription medication, Soma is often abused and sold as a street drug. The liver metabolizes the drug and creates an anxiety-reducing agent that used to be marketed as a controlled substance called meprobamate.

Many street abusers mix Soma with beer to experience an immediate euphoric state. However, Soma can be an effective reliever of muscle pain when taken as prescribed. You can visit many online websites to learn more about Soma.