Soma Withdrawal Symptoms

Soma is a prescription muscle relaxant. The generic name of Soma is carisoprodol. This skeletal muscle relaxant is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the U.S., meaning it has a potential for abuse and addiction. Soma is intended to be a short-term medication that is not prescribed for more than three weeks, in most cases. The short-term prescribing instructions for Soma are based on the fact that it can result in dependence. Soma dependence means that if someone uses this drug for a period of time, they may go through withdrawal when they suddenly try to stop using it. Soma withdrawal symptoms can be severe and may require hospitalization in some cases. addiction.

Soma Withdrawal Timeline

Soma is a drug that affects the brain and, in particular, GABA receptors and neurotransmitters. Because of how Soma acts on the brain, the withdrawal timeline can create cognitive symptoms that last for weeks or months. There are also short-term, acute Soma withdrawal symptoms that are possible. The specific Soma withdrawal timeline depends on individual factors. For example, someone who has used Soma in high doses over a long period of times will have more severe, longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms. When people mix Soma with other drugs, they are also likely to have more difficulty going through Soma withdrawal. For some people who used Soma as prescribed and for a shorter period, symptoms may be mild and barely noticeable as they stop using the drug. For most people, Soma withdrawal symptoms begin in anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after the last dose is taken.

Short-Term Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of the most common short-term effects and withdrawal symptoms of Soma are the same as those of other prescription drugs. For example, Soma withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, headache and cramping. Nausea, vomiting and confusion are also possible. Severe side effects can include tachycardia, a condition characterized by an increased heart rate, as well as ataxia -which is a loss of muscle coordination. Muscle twitching, tremors and chills are possible. Withdrawal symptoms from Soma can also include hallucinations and seizures.

Long-Term Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms

The long-term effects and withdrawal symptoms of Soma are primarily psychological. While many of the physical symptoms of Soma withdrawal will subside after around a week or so, symptoms like anxiety, insomnia and depression can all persist for much longer. There have even been instances in which people have struggled with some Soma withdrawal symptoms for years after stopping the drug.

Soma Withdrawal Options

Even for someone who has been using Soma for a short period and as prescribed, they may be required to follow a tapering-down schedule of their dosage, as directed by a physician. Doctors will have patients slowly reduce their dose over a period of time in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms altogether. For people who abuse Soma, who abuse multiple substances, or who have chronically used the drug over a long period of time, a medically-supervised detox may be necessary.

Soma Detox & Recovery

For someone who has used Soma for a long time, withdrawal symptoms can be severe or even deadly. For example, changes in heart rate and seizures are possible. This can require a medically-supervised detox program where a patient is monitored and kept safe and as comfortable as possible. In many instances, someone in a medical detox will receive medications and interventions that can help stabilize their vitals. As patients go through detox, medical professionals can assess them for underlying or co-occurring mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression. The patient can be treated for these conditions while they’re participating in the detox program.

Medically supervised detox and addiction treatment options are available. Contact The Recovery Village to learn more about participating in addiction treatment sooner rather than later.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.