Soma (carisoprodol) is a muscle relaxer that can be habit-forming, and the FDA label says it has been subject to abuse, dependence and diversion. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance, and mixing it with opioids, benzodiazepines or alcohol can be deadly. Other muscle relaxers like cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) carry less misuse risk but are still dangerous when combined with alcohol or sedatives. Recovery is possible with a supervised taper and counseling.
What Soma Is and Why It Is Different
Soma is prescribed with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of painful muscle injuries such as strains and sprains. The FDA label limits use to acute conditions for up to two or three weeks, and MedlinePlus says not to take it longer than three weeks without talking to your doctor.
What sets Soma apart from most muscle relaxers is what the body turns it into. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) explains that carisoprodol breaks down into meprobamate, an older sedative that acts on the brain in a way similar to benzodiazepines. Meprobamate lasts much longer in the body than carisoprodol itself, so it can build up with repeated use. That is a big part of why Soma can cause dependence and why the DEA placed it in Schedule IV.
Soma vs. Other Muscle Relaxers
| Soma (carisoprodol) | Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | |
|---|---|---|
| Federal controlled substance? | Yes, Schedule IV | No |
| Label describes abuse and dependence? | Yes | Not as a main warning |
| Typical use | Short term, up to 2 to 3 weeks | Short term; MedlinePlus says no more than 3 weeks without a doctor's OK |
| Main danger | Dependence, withdrawal, overdose with other sedatives | Drowsiness and worse effects with alcohol; overdose can affect the heart |
If Flexeril is your concern, see Is Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) Addictive? and what to expect when stopping cyclobenzaprine.
How Soma Misuse Happens
- Using it past the short course. Taking it for weeks or months lets dependence build.
- Taking more than prescribed for its relaxing, sometimes euphoric effect. StatPearls notes that even normal doses can bring brief euphoria in some people.
- Mixing it with other drugs. StatPearls describes a dangerous street combination of carisoprodol, a benzodiazepine and an opioid, sometimes called the "Holy Trinity," used to intensify the high.
- Drinking alcohol with it, which deepens sedation.
The label notes that most reported abuse cases involved prolonged use and a history of drug misuse, although some involved carisoprodol alone.
Serious Risks of Soma Misuse
Overdose
The FDA label lists overdose effects that include deep sedation, coma, slowed breathing, low blood pressure, seizures, delirium, hallucinations and serotonin syndrome. Seizures have been reported mostly when Soma was combined with alcohol or other drugs. There is no specific antidote, so emergency care is supportive. Call 911 if someone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or cannot be woken.
Mixing with opioids, benzodiazepines or alcohol
The label says Soma's sedating effects add to those of alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids and some antidepressants. Together they can slow breathing to dangerous levels. Never combine them unless a doctor who knows all your medicines has said it is safe.
Accidents
Soma causes drowsiness that can impair driving, and the label notes reports of car crashes. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Warning Signs of Soma or Muscle Relaxer Addiction
- Taking it long after the injury has healed
- Using larger or more frequent doses than prescribed
- Running out early, seeing several doctors, or buying pills without a prescription
- Combining it with opioids, benzodiazepines or alcohol
- Slurred speech, unsteady walking, heavy drowsiness or confusion
- Shakiness, insomnia, stomach cramps or anxiety when a dose is late
- Pulling away from family, work or responsibilities
Talk with an independent helpline about detox and rehab options and what your insurance covers. Available 24/7.
Call 866-521-4950How to Stop Soma Safely
Do not stop Soma suddenly after taking large doses or using it for a long time. The FDA label says people in this situation should not stop abruptly, and it lists withdrawal symptoms after sudden stopping that include insomnia, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, tremors, muscle twitching, unsteadiness, hallucinations and psychosis. StatPearls compares Soma withdrawal to alcohol withdrawal and notes it tends to be more severe for people who also use other sedatives or opioids.
| Phase | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Medical assessment | A doctor reviews how much you take, for how long, and what else you use |
| Supervised taper | The dose is lowered gradually rather than stopped all at once; the prescriber sets the pace |
| Symptom management | Sleep problems, anxiety, cramps and tremor are watched and treated; severe symptoms need a medical setting |
| Ongoing care | Counseling and other pain treatment help prevent a return to use |
Your prescriber or treatment team decides the schedule. Do not cut or change doses on your own. If low mood or anxiety becomes overwhelming, or you have thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988.
Treatment Options for Soma and Muscle Relaxer Addiction
No medication is approved specifically to treat Soma addiction. NIDA's guidance for sedative-type drugs applies: people who are dependent should not quit on their own, medically supervised detox with a gradual taper is safer, and counseling should follow. If Soma is used with alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines, NIDA advises that treatment address every substance at once.
Medical detox
Because withdrawal can include hallucinations and psychosis, many people need a sedative and sleeping pill detox program where staff can monitor them around the clock. This matters most for heavy users and anyone mixing Soma with other sedatives.
Rehab and therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to manage cravings and stress
- Pain management using physical therapy and non-addictive options, since most Soma use starts with back or muscle pain
- Mental health care for anxiety, depression or sleep problems
- Family support and education
Levels of care
Treatment can be outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization several days a week, or residential rehab. Heavy use, mixing with other sedatives, or past relapses usually call for more support.
Finding Treatment Near You
Muscle relaxer dependence is usually treated by programs that also treat sleeping pill and sedative problems. Start with our national sedative and sleeping pill rehab directory. If stimulants are also involved, the Adderall rehab directory lists programs that treat both.
Browse by state, such as Georgia or North Carolina, or by city, such as Charlotte or Miami. You can also explore other drugs in our drug guides and check coverage in our insurance guides. SAMHSA's free, confidential national helpline is open 24/7 for treatment referrals.
Sources
- Label: Carisoprodol Tablet (DailyMed, National Library of Medicine)
- Carisoprodol (StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf)
- Carisoprodol (DEA Diversion Control Division)
- Carisoprodol (MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine)
- Cyclobenzaprine (MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine)
- How Can Prescription Drug Addiction Be Treated? (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
- SAMHSA's National Helpline (SAMHSA)
Free, confidential help finding treatment. Independent helpline, 24/7.
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