If you or someone you care about has been taking Soma, the idea of stopping the medication can feel overwhelming. Soma, a potent muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve pain, can lead to dependence when taken for too long or misused. Stopping suddenly can trigger Soma withdrawal symptoms that can hurt the mind and body, making it challenging to quit without professional help.

This blog will give you insight into all aspects of Soma withdrawal, from the symptoms and timeline to the most effective treatment options. Whether you’ve been taking Soma for a short duration or have struggled with its prolonged use, recovery is achievable with the right support.

What Is Soma (Carisoprodol)?

Soma is a skeletal muscle relaxant typically prescribed to relieve pain caused by muscle injuries like sprains and strains. It is composed of Carisoprodol as the active formulation. This drug is available in tablet form and is taken by mouth, often several times a day [1].

Soma is prescribed in combination with physical therapy and rest and is usually prescribed for the short term (two to three weeks) [2].

Soma Withdrawal Symptoms

Soma, a muscle relaxant, is a schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has the potential for abuse and addiction.

Soma is prescribed for the short term because it can result in dependence. Soma dependence means that if a person uses this drug for some time, they may go through withdrawal when stopping the medication abruptly [3].

Soma withdrawal symptoms  

Physical symptoms of Soma withdrawal include [4]:

Headaches: A common withdrawal symptom can range from mild to severe.

Tremors: Uncontrollable trembling or shaking may occur as the nervous system readjusts.

Muscle pain and stiffness: As Soma leaves the body, a muscle that was once relaxed may feel sore or tense.

Nausea and vomiting: The digestive system reacts to the absence of the drug, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Increased heart rate: Withdrawal from Soma may trigger heart palpitations or a fast heartbeat, which can feel alarming.

Psychological symptoms of Soma withdrawal include

Psychological symptoms of Soma withdrawal include:

Anxiety and irritability: Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and irritability are common during Soma withdrawal. The body’s lack of the medication’s calming effects can trigger heightened anxiety and mood swings.

Insomnia: Without the sedative effects of the Soma muscle relaxant, many people struggle to sleep, leading to emotional distress and fatigue.

Severe symptoms associated with Soma withdrawal

In severe cases, Soma withdrawal can cause:

Ataxia: Loss of muscle coordination or control, which can affect movement and daily functioning.

Seizures: A rare risk of Soma withdrawal that can occur if withdrawal is unmanaged.

Hallucinations or confusion: In a serious case, Soma withdrawal can cause disorientation or even auditory or visual hallucinations.

Recognizing these Soma withdrawal symptoms early and seeking medical help can prevent complications.

Soma Withdrawal Timeline

The duration of the Soma withdrawal timeline mainly depends on the severity of dependence on the drug. Individuals with more severe withdrawal symptoms usually have a longer withdrawal timeline.

Below is the typical withdrawal timeline of Soma muscle relaxant [5].

12-24 hours after last dose: Soma withdrawal symptoms start to show as the effects of the drug begin to wear off. At this stage, the withdrawal symptoms are usually mild and could include insomnia, headaches, and nausea.

Days 2-5: The frequency and intensity of withdrawal symptoms will increase during these days. Additionally, people will continue to experience the initial withdrawal symptoms along with cravings, depression, tremors, and anxiety.

Days 3-7: Depending on the severity of Soma addiction and dependence, the withdrawal symptoms peak during this period. Once they do, they decline in severity, intensity, and frequency. Eventually, the physical withdrawal symptoms will subside completely.

Weeks 1+: Some individuals can experience lingering psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, cravings, and irritability.  Moreover, these effects could last a few weeks, or months, and sometimes even longer, depending on the severity of Soma addiction.

Coping Strategies During Soma Withdrawal

Some of the coping strategies during Soma withdrawal are [6] –

Gradual tapering: Stopping Soma suddenly can intensify withdrawal symptoms. One can reduce the severity of withdrawal with a supervised tapering schedule under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

For a thorough understanding of drug tapering, check out The Recovery Village’s informative guide.

Proper hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate the physical symptoms of Soma withdrawal and maintain overall well-being.

Exercise: Incorporating light exercises, such as stretching and walking, into your daily routine can help reduce muscle tension and improve mood.

Seek support: Reach out to family, friends, or a support group to share your experience and get emotional support.

Professional help: If you’re suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, consider seeking help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. They can provide guidance, give you tips, and prescribe medicines to manage symptoms.

The Importance of Professional Help

Some of the important reasons for seeking professional help while undergoing Soma withdrawal symptoms are –

Medical supervision: Healthcare professionals can assess your individual situation, monitor your health, and recommend an appropriate tapering method to reduce the risk of severe withdrawal.

Emotional support: Addiction specialists can help you with emotional support, guidance, and coping strategies to navigate the psychological and emotional aspects of withdrawal.

Customized approach: Every person’s withdrawal experience is different. Professional help ensures that your treatment plan is customized to your specific circumstances.

Preventing relapse: Seeking professional help not only addresses withdrawal symptoms but also equips you with strategies to avoid relapse.

Conclusion

Soma withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to manage, but understanding the symptoms, seeking professional help, and employing coping strategies are crucial steps towards a successful withdrawal process.

It is important to remember that numerous resources and professionals are available to support your recovery.