Have you been using carisoprodol for an extended period? Chances are, you may start experiencing some unusual signs upon stopping the medication. This isn’t uncommon as most of these symptoms are side effects also reported with other drugs.

Soma is a brand name for Carisoprodol and it helps to lessen muscle pain. Apart from its primary use, the drug produces sensations of relaxation, sedation, and mild euphoria. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it has a high tendency for misuse and abuse.

Heavy reliance on Soma causes you to display withdrawal symptoms after sudden abstinence. In this article, we’ll discuss how to cope with some of these signs, ways to manage at home, and when to seek professional care. 

What Is Carisoprodol, and How Does It Cause Dependency?

Carisoprodol (Soma) is a prescription drug for muscle relaxation, used for strains and sprains. It has a direct effect on the central nervous system, causing musculoskeletal pain relief and sedation. While it was introduced in the 50s, its potential for misuse makes it a controlled substance in most countries.

Prolonged use and misuse of carisoprodol cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. People at risk are those predisposed by genetics, environment, or with co-occurring mental conditions.

When you compulsively seek out the medication, you get the temporary relief needed for your pain. However, with time, you may need more doses to achieve the same level of physical and emotional calming effects. This then paves the way for dependence.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Carisoprodol Withdrawal

Soma withdrawal symptoms manifest after an abrupt stop in usage and can last from weeks to months. In extreme cases, there is a need for hospitalization. Depending on the period of drug use, doses, and individual factors, people experience these symptoms differently. For those who are reliant on carisoprodol, these are signs you see when it starts wearing off: 

• Tremors
• Muscle twitching
• Changes in sleep pattern
• Anxiety
• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Body aches
• Increased sweating

Carisoprodol Withdrawal Symptoms Based on Duration

We can also group the muscle relaxant withdrawal symptoms based on the timeline. Some are short-lasting while others may persist for a while. Severe cases include fast-pacing hearts (tachycardia) and loss of muscle coordination (ataxia). However, the long-term effects are psychological and may pose gruesome health risks like respiratory depression or liver damage.

Commonly, some symptoms of carisoprodol dependency subside around a few weeks. Although others, like depression, anxiety, or insomnia, may persist for months. There are also reports that certain individuals struggle with these manifestations for years despite drug discontinuance.

Meanwhile, using Soma alongside other substances like benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opiates can prolong withdrawal symptoms.

Duration	Withdrawal Effects
Short-Term	Nausea, headache, vomiting, anxiety, cramping, confusion, seizures, tachycardia, and ataxia.
Long-term	Depression, Liver damage, and respiratory depression

Common Physical and Psychological Symptoms

The signs of carisoprodol addiction build up subtly to later manifest when dependency has reached a certain level. At this point, the telltale signs become evident physically and psychologically.

Sometimes, these effects interfere with regular behavioral practices and worsens with continuous misuse. Some of those habits may include neglecting responsibilities, engaging in risky tasks, or social seclusion. 

Areas of Manifestation	Symptoms
Physical	Muscle weakness, drowsiness, palpitations, and respiratory depression.
Psychological	Mood swings, memory problems,irritability, hallucinations, anxiety, and depression.

Safe and Effective Carisoprodol Tapering Strategies

A sudden discontinuation of carisoprodol causes Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). So tapering is the best option, requiring careful planning and the cooperation of clients with healthcare providers. The idea behind this process is that it allows the body to manage drug dosages incrementally, limiting unwanted symptoms. According to general principles, cutting a high-dependence rate medication is gradual with customization based on prescribed dosage and duration. It also requires the management of withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. Alternative options include:

• Substituting carisoprodol for other long-acting benzodiazepines.
• Cross-tapering with other muscle relaxants.
• Incorporating adjunctive therapy for pain management.

Managing Carisoprodol Withdrawal at Home

If you have a loved one with carisoprodol withdrawal, the best way to support them is by being empathic and practical. These are ways you can do this:

• Communicate and Listen Compassionately: Someone in this situation may find it difficult to talk openly. You can initiate a conversation about their struggles in a way that is respectful and not judging. Share your concerns and encourage them to open up about their Soma use.
• Seek Professional Help: Help your loved one with the specialist care they need like counseling or therapy. Research centers or hospitals around your radius offering those services, while offering to drive them for a visit.
• Assist During Their Carisoprodol Addiction Recovery: Try to make yourself available during their rehabilitative journey. Support with symptom management, follow up on their appointments, and aftercare recommendations.

Tips for Coping Without Medical Supervision

It’s understandable why you may choose to manage your carisoprodol withdrawal symptoms without professional help. But sometimes, these side effects can inflict critical health concerns that are life-threatening. As you await specialist care, you can attempt the following:

• Don’t stop your carisoprodol use suddenly. Keep up with your regular dose till you see a doctor.
• Maintain a hydrated state with water and electrolyte-containing fluids.
• Don’t remain alone. Reach out to someone who you can easily call for help in cases of emergency.
• Call your community helpline if significant symptoms like palpitations, seizures, or hallucinations manifest.

When to Seek Professional Withdrawal Treatment

The early signs that you have Soma dependency are vital cues for seeking professional intervention. Some of these include recurring carisoprodol cravings, increased tolerance, and precipitation of unusual signs upon drug cessation.

Reasons why you have these symptoms can be genetic, due to your history of substance abuse, long-term unregulated use, or an underlying mental health condition. Recognizing these signs early is a prompt to contact a doctor for immediate help.

Signs You Need Medical or Inpatient Help

If you discover any of the following, you may need some few stays in the hospital to help with your overall evaluation.

• Confusion or Hallucinations: In extreme cases, carisoprodol withdrawal can cause severe disorientation, auditory, or visual delusions.
• Seizures: If dependence is unmanaged for long, Soma can disrupt the regular neuron firing processes in the brain.
• Ataxia: Carisoprodol withdrawal can impact your muscle control and coordination, limiting your optimal function.
• Depression: If it’s long enough, random gushes of sadness or mood swings can result if you’ve relied on Soma for pain relief.
• Tachycardia: The feeling of your heart racing or palpitations is alarming and may require you to contact a cardiologist.
• Anxiety: Panicking, restlessness, or fearfulness are significant. 

Preventing Relapse After Carisoprodol Detox at Touch Stone Recovery Center

Relapse prevention strategies for Carisoprodol sobriety involve a combination of coping mechanisms, lifestyle modification, and implementation of support systems. Often, these are programmed specifically for individuals to achieve particular therapeutic results. The following are ways to make it work:

• Have Support Systems: These are your backbones in your recovery journey. And they include families, friends, and outsiders in the same struggle. They help provide you with validation, accountability, and community.
• Therapy: Rehab for Carisoprodol relapse prevention includes counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Here, they help you manage your triggers and incorporate exercises that can further reduce your carisoprodol dependence.
• Prepare a Routine: With a well-structured daily to-dos, you can feel refreshed and focused on specific goals. This limits the chances of you going back to your old habits.
• Aftercare Programs: Continued guidance during your outpatient stage helps you maintain focus and keep up with newly acquired practices.

A drug is aimed at rejuvenating your health and shouldn’t control your life. At Touch Stone Recovery Center, we recognize your struggle and empathize with you. Aside from our experienced professionals, our incredible support communities are the vital bits to motivate your journey toward recovery.

Contact Touch Stone Recovery Center today for any help you may need concerning withdrawal treatment for Carisoprodol. We’re always available to ring you back or leave a message. 

FAQs

What are the symptoms of Soma withdrawal, and how can they be safely managed?

When you stop taking Soma after a long-term use, you may experience insomnia, anxiety, muscle twitches, fever, or nausea. But you can safely overcome these effects by seeking professional help, exercising, eating well, resting, and frequent hydration.

What happens to the body during muscle relaxant withdrawal?

The body responds to muscle relaxant withdrawal by manifesting physical and psychological symptoms. For the former, you may experience headaches, sweating, chills, tremors, or pains. Meanwhile, psychological symptoms are restlessness, anxiety, psychosis, and depression.

How can tapering help reduce withdrawal symptoms?

Reducing Carisoprodol doses gradually prevents the sudden bodily shock and response from abrupt discontinuance. The tapering schedule is adjusted according to current dosage with continuous monitoring for withdrawal symptoms.

What role does rehab play in Carisoprodol addiction recovery?

Rehab provides immediate access to medical care while providing a community to help achieve therapeutic goals. Support groups allow for networking with like minds, validates struggles, and holds participants accountable for treatment progress.

What are effective ways to ease discomfort during withdrawal?

Carisoprodol withdrawal can be uncomfortable and potentially serious. But with medical supervision, supportive care, and systems, you can ease your way through recovery.