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5 replies [Last post]
August 14, 2009 - 8:32pm
Anonymous
Why does Soma have such a bad rap?

I went to the new PM on Thursday. He, like 2 other Drs (my PCP and prior PM) mentioned he does not like writing for Soma. I explained that it is the only muscle relaxer I have tried (have been on Flexeril, Zanaflex, & Baclofen) that actually works.

He gave me a script for 30 and told me I can only take one at night. I explained that they don't make my tired or drowsy but that is all he wanted me to take.

Anyone else find this strange or know *why* Soma has such a bad rap? I mean, most of the medications we are on are potenially addictive so, what's the deal with Soma?

I have been on and off Soma for almost 2 years and have NEVER had any problems stopping it.

Confused -> Camille Hypnotized

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August 14, 2009 - 10:36pm
#1
Huggy
User offline. Last seen 1 week 6 days ago. Offline
Joined: 03/15/2009
Posts: 285
Points: 578
I think it's because the

I think it's because the active metabolite of carisoprodol (i.e. Soma) is meprobamate, which is an old-school sedative not much prescribed nowadays due to addiction/abuse potential. It was widely prescribed back in the seventies, along with the barbiturates and drugs like glutethimide and methaqualone. I think some doctors are reluctant to prescribe it in much the same way that some are reluctant to prescribe benzodiazepines (pretty ironic, given that benzos were originally touted as the safer alternative to drugs like meprobamate).

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Lumbar: DDD, degenerative spondylosis, severe stenosis, severe facet arthropathy, herniated and bulging discs, collapse at L4-5 and L5-S1 with retrolisthesis. Cervical: degenerative spondylosis, severe stenosis, cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Also, peripheral neuropathy. Decompressive laminectomy (L5-S1) in 1995. Currently in pain management.

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August 15, 2009 - 1:08am
#2
ButterflyPain
User offline. Last seen 17 weeks 1 day ago. Offline
Joined: 08/09/2008
Posts: 296
Points: 594
I guess because people get addicted to it..

My neurologist has no problem with it...In fact that was the first one he ever gave me. And I've tried others since, but this one is the only one that works for me. Amrix works, but it is too expensive for me.

I am beginning to wonder if it is working against me these days. My doctor says I can take three...But I am trying to now go for two a day and just cut it up in halves to spread it out...

Lawd I'm just tired of taking meds.

_____________

According to an MRI in 2008 I had 2mm and 3mm herniations at C5/C6 and C6/ C7. Both having mild to slight central stenosis. Disc desiccation without protrusion at T1-2.
On my Xray from 2008 it said: Very minimal hypertrophic uncovertebral joints at C5-C6. Minimal osteophyte formations and foraminal impingement at C5/C6.

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August 15, 2009 - 6:40pm
#3
JWM
User offline. Last seen 25 weeks 11 hours ago. Offline
Joined: 06/26/2008
Posts: 312
Points: 652
its because it potentiates

its because it potentiates opiates (makes them stronger) and when taken with a med that can give a high or a buzz, such as a couple norcos, it greatly increases the strength of said feeling. Docs shy away from Rx'ing Soma with any pain meds or in pain settings for this reason. Also, some have a false impression that it has terrible effects on your liver, which it does not. Lastly, meprobromate is one of the metabolites, but that has nothing to do with their concern. It is a shedule 4 (low) med and not considered to have any significant abuse potential.

Cheers

JWM

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L5-S1 7mm anterior 5mm central. Central stenosis and foraminal stenosis. Severe sciatica w/terrible mobility. ESIx2,etc.
Meds: ALL generic, feel free to ask.
Plan: upcoming surgery(2010).

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August 15, 2009 - 11:34pm
#4
Camille945 (not verified)
Soma

Thanks for all the comments.

I am still baffled though. Almost any of the meds we are given can have the same effect (cross liver or kidneys, intensify affect when combined, or are old school types).

I guess I am looking for that one HUGE horrific problem with it. Like it will dry up all your blood or csf.

Because without some major concern, I have just scoff at the Drs reaction and say "I don't care if *you* like it, it works for me!"

If drinking 50 gallons of orange juice a day would help, I would do it. It smoking dirt would help, I would do it.
That's where the pain has put me now. I am beyond desperate! I will try anything and do anything I have to. I want my *life* back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Frustrated -> Camille Angry

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