|
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.
General medical information about 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.
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 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.
If you 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 you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a carisoprodol overdose include low blood pressure (weakness,
fainting, confusion), decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.
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.
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 other drugs will affect carisoprodol Many drugs can increase 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 No.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. |
