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Carisoprodol |
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What is Carisoprodol and why is it prescribed? Carisoprodol is used, along with rest, physical therapy, and other measures, for the relief of acute, painful muscle strains and spasms. Carisoprodol alone will not heal your muscles. You need to follow the program of physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor prescribes. Do not attempt any more physical activity than your doctor recommends, even though Carisoprodol temporarily makes it seem feasible. How should you take Carisoprodol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Carisoprodol. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember if only an hour or so has passed. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Carisoprodol at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Are there any Carisoprodol side effects? Carisoprodol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Carisoprodol side effects may include agitation, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, facial flushing, fainting, headache, hiccups, inability to fall or stay asleep, irritability, light-headedness upon standing up, loss of coordination, nausea, rapid heart rate, stomach upset, tremors, vertigo, and vomiting. Allergic reactions usually seen between the first and fourth doses of Carisoprodol in patients who have never taken this drug before include itching, red welts on the skin, and skin rash. A more severe allergic reaction may include symptoms such as asthmatic attacks, dizziness, fever, low blood pressure, shock, stinging of the eyes, swelling due to fluid retention, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Carisoprodol? If Carisoprodol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Carisoprodol may intensify the effects of alcohol. Be careful drinking alcoholic beverages while you are taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Carisoprodol with Antidepressant drugs (such as Elavil, Tofranil, and Nardil), Major tranquilizers (such as Haldol, Stelazine, and Thorazine), Sedatives (such as Nembutal and Halcion), or Tranquilizers (such as Librium, Valium, and Xanax). Are there any special warnings about Carisoprodol? In rare cases, the first dose of Carisoprodol may cause unusual symptoms that appear within minutes or hours of taking the medication. Symptoms reported include: agitation, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, double vision, enlargement of pupils, extreme weakness, exaggerated feeling of well-being, lack of coordination, speech problems, temporary loss of vision, and temporary paralysis of arms and legs. These symptoms usually subside within a few hours. If you experience any of them, contact your doctor immediately. Carisoprodol may impair the mental or physical abilities you need to drive a car or operate dangerous machinery. Do not participate in hazardous activities until you know how this drug affects you. If you have a history of drug dependence, make sure your doctor is aware of it before you start taking Carisoprodol. Withdrawal symptoms, including abdominal cramps, chilliness, headache, insomnia, and nausea, have occurred in people who suddenly stop taking Carisoprodol. Take Carisoprodol cautiously if you have any kidney or liver problems. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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