Feedback on Soma Side Effects and Usage, page 16
About Soma
If you’ve used Soma, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.
Subj: Constipation
Date: 12/30/2007
I have been taking soma off and on for 7 years. One thing I know for sure it slows the body down. I have alot of constipation…And have to take enemas ,,When I don’t take it I am regular. I have back problems and am detoxing off a Klonopin. So I sleep … I know it makes me retain water…When I am not taking it I urinate alot…
Lola
Subj: Incredible relief
Date: 12/31/2007
After excruciating pain and inability to walk or move one morning, I was diagnosed with 4 bulging discs, and one herniation. I tried everything from chiropractic care, to pain meds that I had horrible side effects from including slowed breathing and heartbeat to horrific dreams and night sweats. Finally, my new pain management doctor prescribed Soma just at bedtime. During the day I take Skelaxin and it does not cause as much drowsiness. At night, my pain is worse, so I take just one soma (350mg) and a half of a percocet, and I have incredible relief from pain and am able to get a good night’s sleep. I have not had any negative side effects, other than the drowsiness and feeling high. I have young adult kids, and they find it extremely humorous that I am “high” at night, since I have never been a drug or alcohol user. I can tell you that this medication has been a blessing. Like anything else, you need to use it as prescribed, and only when needed. It is not the medication making addicts, it addicts just finding one more thing to use to get high. I would highly recommend it to anyone suffering severe pain that keeps you from sleep. Loss of sleep is as bad as the pain, and can cause serious side effects itself!
Christine
Subj: Soma problem
Date: 1/1/2008
I have a friend who has admitted taking up to 12 soma a day. I do know she takes them daily and usually takes up to 5 soma a time. She has not admitted how bad the problem really is but I do know she shows signs of taking them every day several times a day. If she has been doing this for over a year, what can this do to her as far as health is concerned? I am extremely worried about her.
Joan
AskDocWeb: You could talk to her about what you have noticed and tell her about your concern for her safety but remember, it is her problem, not yours. As her friend, you may want to encourage her to talk to her doctor.
Subj: Death
Date: 1/3/2008
A family member of 53 years old was on Soma for 2 1/2 weeks and died. He was getting confused, dizzy and didn’t feel right. Then he died in his sleep.
Sheri
Subj: Soma overdose
Date: 1/7/2008
I am writing in regards to a soma overdose. My husband’s brother took somewhere between 60 to 80 pills. He is currently fighting for his life on life support. Does anyone out there have any knowledge of whether or not he will live? He is 35 years old and it is very devastating to the whole entire family. I would so much appreciate feedback as soon as possible.
Kristy
Subj: Die in your sleep?
Date: 1/10/2008
Is it true that you can die in your sleep from a Soma overdose? That post freaked me out. I have horrible TMJ and have been taking Soma for about two years. I never read that possible DEATH was one of the risks. Please answer.
Lia
AskDocWeb: Many drugs can cause death if an overdose is taken but, if you avoid an overdose then that is not a concern.
Subj: Soma in your bloodstream
Date: 1/14/2008
I took soma on Monday and was completely off it Tuesday through Friday, however I got in a wreck. How long does soma stay in your bloodstream as in a blood test. Isn’t it absorbed quickly?
Susan
AskDocWeb: It may take up to two weeks before Soma is completely out of your system.
Subj: Decide to wean off soma
Date: 1/15/2008
I have MS and Spasmodic torticollis. I have taken soma for quite a while – nausea, breathing difficulty, memory problems, bowel discomfort (especially if you lower your dose to quickly, and dementia are side effects). I don’t really find it that helpful for ST, and after a while your body just gets used to the dose. If you decide to wean off soma, do it very slowly and by 1/2’s lowering your dose ever few days. Stopping all at once can be pretty traumatic to your system. I find that valerian is helpful when weaning off soma. Good luck.
Queenie
AskDocWeb: Please note that there are some health concerns with using valerian.
Subj: Withdrawal symptoms
Date: 1/22/2008
How long do the withdrawal symptoms last? I took about 30 pills in a week in a half span and I feel so sick. Thanks.
Nicole
AskDocWeb: The manufacturer says that withdrawal symptoms are rare and they do not say how long the withdrawal symptoms last when they do occur.
Subj: Taper off?
Date: 1/24/2008
Will taking soma for only a week or two as prescribed (2-3X daily PRN) cause withdrawal? Do I need to “taper off” if I only need to take it for a couple weeks? Thanks in advance for your response…
Annie
AskDocWeb: This varies from one individual to the next but most people do not have withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop taking Soma without consulting your doctor first.
Subj: Muscle spasms
Date: 2/2/2008
I have taken somas for I have a lot of muscle spasms cause I got hit by a drunk drive a few years back…. I take vicodin es also and I take 2 750mg vicodin and 2 somas and I feel great. I do that every night. I got pretty bad so I slowed down. I was up to 4 vicodin es and 3 or 4 somas at one time then I would pop a few after a couple hours just to keep up the high. I haven’t noticed an addiction to the soma but definitely to the vicodin so be careful.
Melissa
Subj: Friend is addicted
Date: 2/7/2008
I have a good friend who is addicted, he takes about 9-19 tab at one time and claims he is not addicted. He hangs out with a girl who receives a prescription so when ever she is up they are ready to go. Addiction to drugs, alcohol runs in his family the sad part is he is a pharmacy tech and smart enough to be a pharmacist. He was most likely to become a Doctor back in high School. I Care for him deeply.
Kiesha
Subj: Causes of low sodium
Date: 2/7/2008
I have a question. I recently went to the doctor and found that my sodium level is low. Could taking Soma cause that? I am alarmed when I read the causes of low sodium, but also saw that certain medications can cause it. I wanted to know if Soma is one of them. Thank you,
Penny
AskDocWeb: No, the only drugs we have data on that cause low sodium are Triamterene, Midoride, Metolazone, Diulo, and Chlorthalidone. There are some drug interactions that may result in low blood sodium;
- Amiloride with Chlorpropamide
- Apo-Amilzide with Chlorpropamide
- Midamor with Chlorpropamide
- Moduret with Chlorpropamide
- Moduretic with Chlorpropamide
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and herbal or alternative treatments. Be sure to check the ingredient list in any herbal remedy that you try. Some herbs interact with medication.
Subj: Is there as risk of addiction?
Date: 2/8/2008
I have been taking Soma for approx. 1 week for back pain & muscle spasms. It has worked especially well. Is there as risk of addiction? Should I eventually taper off the drug instead of abruptly stopping it? I will be continuing physical therapy for about 2 more weeks (2-3 times weekly). I have a follow-up visit with my doctor next week.
Kathleen
AskDocWeb: There are no studies stating that soma is addictive. The caution published by the manufacturer has to do with usage by those individuals who are addiction prone. In post-marketing reports, cases of dependence, abuse, and withdrawal have been reported with prolonged use. In most cases these occurred in patients with a history of addiction or who used Soma in combination with other drugs that have abuse potential. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported following abrupt cessation after prolonged use.
Subj: 40 in 2 days
Date: 2/13/2008
My daughter takes soma to sleep – she has built up such an immunity to it that she takes 40 in 2 days. She has had a gastric bypass about 3 years ago and I’m wondering if this is the reason that she goes thru all pills like this and has no apparent side effects. She shops doctors as well.
Sally
AskDocWeb: Please talk to your doctor about your daughter’s use of Soma, that sounds like addiction.
Subj: My story is a little different
Date: 2/16/2008
I have been taking Soma for 6 years now, daily and more than the recommended dosage. I was prescribed soma for a torn rotator cuff before I had surgery. I can’t take pain pills so it was the perfect remedy. I found this site looking for what I will experience when I stop taking them. I have read many of the comments posted and my story is a little different.
I am definitely addicted, NO doubt about that! It helps my pain (that I don’t even think I have any more, I think it’s just plain addiction). I like them because I have a highly stressful job and after a hard days work it really relaxes me. I take about 9 – 10 per day, sometimes more. I have really weened down. I used to start off with 8 for my initial dose after work. Now I take 4 – 5 on initial dose after work and then 2 at a time until bedtime. My biggest fear was insomnia when I quit. Well, I quit taking them and insomnia was the least of my worries. I started having body aches and very mild depression and great anxiety. I started taking them again so I can ween off of them even slower, very slowly! I felt so bad at work and called in the next day which is not like me AT ALL. I am in upper management and love my job. The routine is what is also going to be very had to break because it is very ritual-like in my evening home life. I’ll spare you the boring details, but is VERY ritual.
I also am worried about gaining weight because I have no appetite on them so I eat very healthy because I have no bad cravings for unhealthy food. Another worry is, after reading all of these entries by others I am scared about withdrawals. But I am going to stop, no doubt about that. My goal is to be soma free in 2-3 weeks. My question is, what is the best weening process to have minimal withdrawals? I am extremely nervous about the journey I am about to go on….HELP!
Kellie
AskDocWeb: The best way is with the help of your doctor.
Subj: Cause of death is unknown
Date: 2/22/2008
My husband recently die cause of death is unknown he was only 27. One of the drugs he was taking was soma. Could this have caused him to stop breathing?
Debbie
AskDocWeb: Not unless he had an allergic reaction or an overdose.
Subj: How long does it last?
Date: 2/25/2008
How long does one soma pill last (MP 58)? And when should I take the next pill?
Jade
AskDocWeb: How long one pill lasts varies with the dosage and your body mass index. In general, the more a person weighs the higher the dosage that is needed to get the same affect. The directions that are appropriate for you are printed on the label.
Subj: IN REGARDS TO POST Subj: Soma death Date: 9/19/2005
Date: 2/27/2008
My mother died taking soma. She was taking prozac, and vicodin and the combination with soma killed her in a matter of minutes!!! BEWARE of SOMA!! This is a very serious drug, it cannot be taken with most any other medications! Not to mention this is an addicting drug. This is not true in all cases. I take soma, and was taking vicodin as well with it for a few months (now have stopped, as I received a cortisone shot and do not need it right now) and zoloft. I have had no problems.
Julie
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