Carisoprodol Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 14, 2025.
Applies to carisoprodol: oral tablet.
Common side effects of carisoprodol
Some side effects of carisoprodol 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 side effects
- 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
Serious side effects of carisoprodol
Along with its needed effects, carisoprodol 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 while taking carisoprodol:
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 while taking carisoprodol:
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
For healthcare professionals
Applies to carisoprodol: compounding powder, oral tablet.
General adverse events
The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included drowsiness, dizziness, and headache.[Ref]
Nervous system
- Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (17%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache
- Postmarketing reports: Ataxia, tremor, seizures[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Postmarketing reports: Tachycardia, postural hypotension, syncope, facial flushing[Ref]
Psychiatric
Other
Gastrointestinal
- Postmarketing reports: Nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort[Ref]
Hematologic
- Postmarketing reports: Leukopenia, pancytopenia[Ref]
See also:
Flexeril
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a muscle relaxant used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as ...
Robaxin
Robaxin (methocarbamol) is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Valium
Valium is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. Learn ...
Zanaflex
Zanaflex (tizanidine) is a short-acting muscle relaxer used to treat spasticity by temporarily ...
Soma
Soma (carisoprodol) is used treat injuries and other painful muscle conditions. Includes Soma side ...
Diazepam
Diazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. Learn ...
Tizanidine
Tizanidine is a short-acting muscle relaxant and is used to treat spasticity. Learn about side ...
Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat spasticity and muscle pain in conditions like multiple ...
Methocarbamol
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that works by blocking pain sensations. Includes methocarbamol ...
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Soma (carisoprodol)." Meda Pharmaceuticals
Frequently asked questions
More about carisoprodol
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (311)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: skeletal muscle relaxants
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Carisoprodol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
