Soma® (Carisoprodol) Detox
Drug name: SOMA (Carisoprodol)
Category: Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
Drug Type / Action: Skeletal muscle relaxants act on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their muscle relaxant effects. Their actions in the CNS may also produce some of the side effects.
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Attempting to withdraw from Soma® without medical support can result in
seizures or other complications.
Soma® (generic name Carisoprodol) is a prescription muscle relaxer that is frequently prescribed to treat musculoskeletal pain and muscle spasms. Typically it is used in conjunction with physical therapy to treat injuries and other painful musculoskeletal conditions. When dosages exceed what is recommended by physicians, Soma® usually causes drowsiness, giddiness, and relaxation and sometime euphoria; because of its sedative effects and potential for abuse, Soma® is a Schedule IV drug in the US.
Because it acts on the central nervous system (CNS) by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain, some people  who have sustained physical injury or trauma may have initially been prescribed Soma® and then become dependent after the injury has healed. Soma® has been known to be combined with other drugs or alcohol to enhance the effect.
Soma® usage can be quite habit forming. Users of Soma® develop tolerance and can become dependant and addiction is common. Stopping taking this drug abruptly or tapering too quickly can result in severe medical problems. Detoxification from Soma® should always be under the care of and experienced addiction physician. Most patients can be safely detoxed in just a few short weeks.
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Are you taking Soma® habitually?
Have you become dependant on Soma®?
Do you get withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop?
If the answer of any of these questions is YES
we can help you get SOMA out of your life.
Side effects and the withdrawal symptoms are similar to benzodiazepines
such as Valium® and Xanax®. Review the list of side effects listed below.
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COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF Soma® (Carisoprodol)
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Inability to fall or stay asleep
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Unusual weakness
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- Depression
- Facial flushing
- Headache
- Irritability
- Light-headedness upon standing up
- Stomach upset
- Chills
- Tightness in chest
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- Dizziness
- Hiccups
- Loss of coordination
- Tremors
- Vertigo
- Vomiting
- Racing heartbeat
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The drugs that produce physical dependencies typically have
2 different types of withdrawal symptoms:
Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (Immediate)
Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (Delayed)
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Acute Withdrawal Symptoms occur immediately after the drug usage has stopped. These acute symptoms can continue for up to ten days depending on the amount of Soma® taken and how long the episode of usage was.
Some of the common acute withdrawal symptoms associated with Soma® addiction and treated by NBD include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Chills
- Seizures
- Stomach pain
- Sleep disturbances
While in active addiction, the Soma® user experiences a disruption to the normal brain  activity which impairs clear thinking and emotion expression. Additionally, short-term memory loss, lack of coordination, sleep disturbances and stress are all part of Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) and can make the recovery process sometimes long and difficult.
As a result of continued abuse of Soma®, the brain needs to make an adjustment in order to "right itself" as neurotransmitters return to normalcy and acclimate to a life without mood altering chemicals. This sometime takes time and that is where post acute withdrawal symptoms come in, they are like lingering withdrawal.
Some of the post-acute withdrawal symptoms stemming from Soma® addiction are:
- Craving cycles
- Stress sensitivity
- Memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Inability to think clearly
- Physical coordination problems
- Emotional fluctuations or emotional “numbness”
Like other prescription drugs, the prolonged use and abuse of Soma® is associated with tolerance, dependence and addiction. The signs and symptoms are similar to those that can be found accompanying the abuse of other prescription medications with tranquilizer or sedative effects such as Valium® or Xanax®.
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Taking Soma® in a way other than the way the orders were written by the doctor
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Taking Soma® for reasons not prescribed (for sleep, relaxation, to get high etc)
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Taking Soma® more frequently than the prescription is written results in you running out of them sooner than expected.
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Drug-seeking behavior, doctor-shopping
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Going from one doctor to another complaining of whatever malady one thinks will earn them Soma® from a physician
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Frequent periods of illness and irritability. Soma® dependence and withdrawal can make a person ill for a day or two until they can find more, which restores them to seemingly normal state until they run out again.
Soma® is usually abused and ingested orally. Many abusers take it in combination with other drugs to enhance the effects of those drugs. Alcohol, codeine, Valium®, heroin, hydrocodone (especially Vicodin®), meprobamate, and propoxyphene commonly are abused in combination with Soma®. Abusers who combine Soma® with Vicodin® claim that this combination produces effects similar to those of heroin.
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Intake Interview and Psychosocial Assessment
A preliminary assessment is conducted and the patient is evaluated to determine if they are eligible for the Out-Patient Program. The NBRC Program requirements, the various treatment options, length of treatment, and the fee structure are all discussed. A confidential interview and intake and orientation is conducted. Afterward, a psychosocial assessment is performed by a member of our staff.
Pre-Procedure Medical Evaluation
The detoxification process begins with all NBD patients receiving a complete medical history and physical examination. This may include a laboratory analysis and urine toxicology screen. Our clinicians remain a part of the multi-disciplinary team that cares for the patient throughout detoxification
Induction Phase - Beginning the Process of Detoxification
The Induction Phase is the medically monitored startup of therapy. Medications may be prescribed at this time to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, assist with sleep and reduce anxiety.
Stabilization Phase – Controlling the Cravings
The Stabilization Phase has begun when the patient no longer has cravings for sleep aid medications.
Taper Phase – Getting Free
The Taper Phase is reached when the patient is doing well on prescribed medications and cravings have been minimized. The patient is then stepped-down from the medications until they are drug-free. Medications may be gradually switched in order to ensure a greater level of comfort during the detox
OUT-PATIENT COUNSELING THERAPY
All patients have the option to attend an Out-Patient counseling program while in detox run by experienced professionals.
