Carisoprodol is used to relax certain muscles in your body and relieve the discomfort caused by acute (short-term), painful muscle or bone conditions. However, this medicine does not take the place of rest, exercise, physical therapy, or other treatments that your doctor may recommend for your medical condition.

Carisoprodol is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relax muscles.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). This medicine should only be used for 2 to 3 weeks.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

chest pain

chills

cold sweats

confusion

convulsions

cough

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

fever

loss of bladder control

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

painful or difficult urination

shortness of breath

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sudden loss of consciousness

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)

blurred vision

change in consciousness

confusion as to time, place, or person

difficult or troubled breathing

false or unusual sense of well-being

hallucinations

headache

holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact

inability to move the eyes

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

loss of consciousness

muscle stiffness or tightness

pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin

sticking out of the tongue

trouble with breathing, speaking, or swallowing

uncontrolled eye movements

uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

unusual facial expressions

weakness of the arms and legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Drowsiness

Incidence not known

Anxiety

deep or fast breathing with dizziness

dry mouth

face is warm or hot to touch

fainting feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

heartburn

irritability

nausea

nervousness

numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth

pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat

redness to face

restlessness

sensation of spinning

shakiness and unsteady walk

sleeplessness

trouble sleeping

unable to sleep

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Avoid driving, using machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures or barbiturates; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without first asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.

If your condition does not improve within two to three weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.