Soma Mechanism Of Action- Key Insights
Soma pill is a muscle relaxer approved for skeletomuscular body pain. The mechanism of action of the Soma pill indicates its analgesic effects work by blocking the pain sensation from reaching the brain’s receptors. With 30 minutes of action onset, it lasts about 6 hours.
Muscle discomfort and spasms can disrupt daily life, making simple tasks challenging and uncomfortable. This is where Soma, a widely-used muscle relaxant, steps in to provide much-needed relief. However, understanding how Soma works and the correct way to use it is essential for ensuring its effectiveness and safety.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look into the mechanism of action and the proper way to incorporate the Soma pill into your treatment regimen. In this blog, we focus on the working mechanism of Soma 350 mg, which is frequently prescribed for beginners. However, the mechanism of action for higher doses of the soma pill is similar to that of Soma 350 mg.
Mechanism of Action: How Does Soma Work?
Carisoprodol, the active compound used in the formulation of the Soma pill works by affecting the communication between nerves in the brain and the spinal cord. It helps to calm down the signals between your nerves, which can help reduce muscle spasms and pain.
The liver breaks down Carisoprodol into meprobamate, which treats anxiety and sleep problems. This metabolite is thought to contribute to how Soma pills relax muscles and relieve pain.
Carisoprodol and meprobamate are eliminated through the kidney, primarily by urine. However, the above graph shows that the time taken by the body to eliminate meprobamate is longer than that for carisoprodol [1].
Key factors that are determined by the working mechanism of the Soma pill-
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Onset of action- 30 minutes.
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Duration of action- 5 to 6 hours.
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Peak action- 1.5 to 2 hours.
Half-life of Soma pill
The half-life of a medicine is the time it takes for half of the drug’s concentration in the bloodstream to decrease. It indicates the rate at which the body eliminates the medication. The half-life of Carisoprodol is 1 to 3 hours.
Based on the half-life of Carisoprodol, the elimination time of the Soma pill is determined below.
| Drug Level Remaining | Time |
|---|---|
| 100.00% | 0.00 hrs |
| 50% | 3.00 hrs |
| 25% | 6.00 hrs |
| 12.50% | 9.00 hrs |
| 6.25% | 12.00 hrs |
| 3.13% | 15.00 hrs |
Based on our theoretical calculation, it takes about 12 to 15 hours for the body to completely eliminate the Soma pill.
Soma Dosage
The Soma pill is available in three popular dosages- 250 mg, 350 mg, and 500 mg. The Soma 350 mg is commonly prescribed to beginners. 500 mg tablets are recommended in conditions where the lower dosage does not show effective relief, or the body pain is more severe.
Missed Dosage
In case you have missed a dosage, take the medicine as soon as you remember. However, skip the dosage if it is almost time for your next dose.
Do not take two doses at one time to make up for the missed Soma dosage.
Administration Guidelines
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It is an oral medication and should be swallowed with water.
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The recommended treatment timeline for the Soma pill is three weeks.
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The advisable dosage option is 3 to 4 times daily.
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Take the pill as a whole without breaking or crushing it.
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Avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages [2].
Factors to Consider Before Taking Soma
Before taking Soma (Carisoprodol), the factors listed below should be considered.
Medical History
Patients with a history of kidney and liver problems should consult a doctor before buying Soma tablets.
Medication Interactions
Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions with the Soma pill.
Allergies
It is advisable to get an allergic test done before taking the Soma pain medication to ensure that you are not allergic to any of the compounds present in the formulation. If you have known allergies to Soma or related medications, let your doctor know.
Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of taking Soma with your doctor. In most cases, breastfeeding and pregnant mothers shouldn’t take the Soma pill because of its potential risk to the child [3].
Driving Or Operating Machinery
Soma pills can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. It is, therefore, essential to consider these effects before engaging in such activities.
Monitoring
Your doctor may recommend regularly monitoring your response to the Soma pill for any potential side effects during the treatment.
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FAQs
+ How does Soma work in the body?
+ Does Soma act on GABA?
+ Is Soma safe for the liver?
+ Is Soma a CNS depressant?
+ What is the half-life of Soma?
+ Is Soma safe to take at night?
References
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Pharmacokinetic modeling of carisoprodol and meprobamate disposition in adults, journals.sagepub.com.
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Dangers of Mixing Soma and Alcohol (Short & Long Term Side Effects), americanaddictioncenters.
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Carisoprodol - Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets, NCBI.