What is Soma? meprobamate, and propoxyphene headache, insomnia, and nausea.
commonly are abused in combination Signs that an overdose has occurred
Soma, a trade name for the pre-
with Soma. Abusers who combine Soma include difficulty in breathing, shock,
scription drug carisoprodol, is a
with Vicodin claim that this combina- and coma. A Soma overdose may result
muscle relaxant legitimately pre-
tion produces effects similar to those of in death.
scribed to relieve pain from muscle
heroin.
injuries and spasms. When taken in
dosages exceeding those recom- Is it illegal to abuse Soma?
mended by physicians, Soma causes Who abuses Soma?
Yes, abusing Soma is illegal. Reports
drowsiness, giddiness, and relaxation. Individuals of all ages abuse Soma. of Soma abuse have resulted in a
Soma is metabolized into Data reported in the National Survey on number of states scheduling Soma
meprobamate, a Schedule IV drug Drug Use and Health indicate that as a controlled substance. States that
with a potential for abuse. 2,276,000 U.S. residents aged 12 and have taken this action are Alabama,
older used Soma nonmedically at least Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,
What does Soma look like? once in their lifetime. Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota,
Law enforcement officers indicate New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, and
Soma is available as a 350-
that youths living in Arizona and West Virginia. Soma is not scheduled
milligram tablet. The round, convex,
California often obtain carisoprodol at at the federal level. However, reports of
white tablets are inscribed with SOMA
pharmacies in Mexico. Carisoprodol is Soma abuse are being monitored by
on one side and 37 WALLACE 2001
sold in Mexico under the brand name the Drug Enforcement Administration,
on the other. Soma also is available in
Somacid. Prescriptions for Soma and and Soma could be listed under
tablet form combined with codeine or
Somacid can be purchased from some the Controlled Substances Act if
aspirin. Soma and codeine are com-
doctors and pharmacists in Mexico. warranted.
bined in oval, two-layered, white and
yellow tablets inscribed with SOMA
CC on one side and WALLACE 2403 What are the risks?
on the other—because of the codeine,
this tablet is scheduled. Soma and Soma is generally safe when pre- Street Terms for Soma
aspirin are combined in round, two- scribed by a physician and used as
directed. However, individuals who Ds
layered, white and lavender tablets
abuse Soma can develop psychological Dance
inscribed with Par 246.
addictions to the drug. Common side Las Vegas Cocktail (combination of Soma
effects of Soma abuse include blurred and Vicodin)
How is Soma abused? vision, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss Soma Coma (combination of Soma
Abusers typically ingest Soma of coordination. More serious side and codeine)
orally. Many abusers take it in combi- effects include chills, depression, racing
nation with other drugs to enhance heartbeat, tightness in chest, vomiting,
the effects of those drugs. Alcohol, and unusual weakness. Withdrawal
codeine, diazepam, heroin, symptoms associated with Soma
hydrocodone (especially Vicodin), dependency include abdominal cramps,
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Answers
National Drug Intelligence Center
, Triple C a component of the
, Yaba NDIC Product No. 2004-L0559-006 U.S. Department of Justice
092204
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