How Soma Pills Work: A Closer Look at Mechanism of Action and Effects 04 Aug 2023 By Agnes Smith | Categories: Soma Soma pill is a muscle relaxer approved for skeletomuscular body pain. The mechanism of action of the Soma pill indicates its analgesic effects work by blocking the pain sensation from reaching the brain's receptors. With 30 minutes of onset of action, its action lasts for about 6 hours. Soma pills have been given to people with muscle pain and discomfort for a long time. While we have previously discussed various aspects of this medication, such as its history, uses, and potential side effects, in this blog, we will take a closer look at the mechanism of action and the effects of Soma pills, offering a more in-depth understanding of how this muscle relaxant works. Soma Mechanism Of Action Soma pills directly affect the central nervous system (CNS) instead of the skeletal muscles. The active ingredient in Soma, carisoprodol, interacts with neurotransmitter systems in the brain and spinal cord to stop pain signals from being sent between nerves [1]. Carisoprodol is also broken down by the liver into meprobamate, which is used to treat anxiety and sleep problems. This metabolite is thought to contribute to how Soma pills relax muscles and relieve pain. Carisoprodol and meprobamate are eliminated through the kidney, primarily by urine. However, the above graph shows that the time taken by the body to eliminate meprobamate is longer than that for carisoprodol [2]. It has a quick-acting formulation and begins to work within 30 minutes of intake. The maximum plasma concentration of the Soma pill is reached in 1.5 to 1.7 hours [3]. The effect of the Soma pill usually last between four and six hours, which is why it's usually recommended to take it several times a day to keep the pain relief going. Soma pill is available in two main strengths- Soma 350 mg and Soma 500 mg. The mechanism of action of Soma 350 mg and 500 mg is the same, thus providing similar effectiveness and benefits. Effect Of The Soma Pills On The Nervous System Soma pills can help relieve muscle pain and discomfort by affecting the CNS. They can also make you feel a little sleepy. This sedation can help patients relax, which can help them rest and heal from injuries or conditions that affect their muscles and bones. But this sedative effect can also make you feel sleepy and slow down your brain, so you should be careful if you drive or use heavy machinery while taking the drug [4]. The Role of Soma Pills in Pain Management Soma pills are often prescribed as part of a multimodal pain management plan, which includes other treatments such as physical therapy, rest, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of pain and discomfort are addressed, promoting a faster and more effective recovery. The Soma pill can help manage body pain associated with muscle spasms, migraines, menstrual cramps, lower back pain, and fibromyalgia. Summing Up Mechanism Of Action And Effects Of The Soma Pill It's essential for doctors and patients to know how Soma pills work and their effects in order to use this muscle relaxant safely and effectively. We can summarize the mechanism of action of the Soma pill by stating that the muscle relaxer works by blocking the neurotransmitter or the pain signals along with GABA (important for regulating muscle movement and tone) to reduce muscle spasms and pain. When combined with rest and physical therapy, it is an effective approach to managing skeletomuscular body pain.
