Carisoprodol (Soma)

Soma is the brand name for carisoprodol. This prescription medication is a muscle relaxant that blocks pain sensations transmitted between nerves and the brain. It is prescribed to treat acute and painful musculoskeletal injuries such as whiplash and sprain/strain. Treatment with Soma includes rest and physical therapy. Carisoprodol should not be taken more than 3 weeks; thereafter, its use has not been proven to be effective.