Some common side effects caused by this medication include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, anxiety, dry mouth, warm face, heartburn, irritability, nervousness, redness of the face, uncontrollable shaking, trembling, pain in the stomach, or nausea. These are rare but some serious side effects caused by soma include fever, hallucinations, black stools, irregular pulse, loss of bladder control, issues in urinating, chills, cold sweats, upset stomach, pain in the chest, muscle spasm, sore throat, lightheadedness, cough, ulcers, swollen glands, unexplained bleeding or wounds, sudden loss of consciousness, extreme tiredness, aggression, agitation, fast heart rate, excessive sweating, shivering, stiffness in muscles, loss of coordination, vomiting, and twitching of muscles. These are rare but if you get severe rashes, hives, itching, swelling of lips, eyes, mouth, face, or throat then it means you are having an allergic reaction to this medication and you need medical assistance immediately. Another major drawback is the risk of addiction, people who have a history of addiction have a higher risk of getting side effects. Even if you do not have a history of addiction, you may get addicted to this medicine and cause serious harm to your health.

If you miss a dose then take it when you remember, do not take the dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take double doses to make up for the missed dose. The dosage of this medicine varies from person to person, it depends on your age, gender, and most importantly the severity of your medical condition. Usually, 250 to 350 mg of this medicine should be taken three times a day. This medication should not be taken for more than 3 weeks. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Your doctor may increase your doses gradually to avoid the risk of side effects. Do not increase your dosage without your doctor’s prescription.

What to do in case of overdosing on soma?

Overdosing on this medication can prove to be fatal. Some symptoms of overdosing include blurry vision, shallow or weak breathing, muscle stiffness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, dilated big pupils, inability to move eyes, extreme blinking, pale lips, skin, and nails, trouble speaking, swallowing, restlessness, weakness of arms or legs, unusual turning of neck, arms, seizures, or fainting. If you or anyone near you observe these symptoms then medical attention should be sought immediately

Who should avoid using this medication?

If you are pregnant or if you are planning on becoming pregnant then avoid taking this medicine or at least talk to your doctor before starting the treatment as this medicine can leave life-threatening effects on the unborn. If you are a breastfeeding mother then avoid using this medication as it can pass down through breastmilk and give lifelong diseases to the baby (like breathing disorders). If you have a history of high or lo blood pressure, any kidney disorder, any lung disease, liver disease, or seizures then avoid using this medicine. Older people should avoid using this medication as it makes you dizzy and they are already weaker and prone to falling. Inform your doctor beforehand if you are using any anti-anxiety pill, any anti-depressants, sleeping pills, cough relievers, other muscle relaxants, or sleeping pills as they can react with this medication. If you have a history of substance abuse (misuse of alcohol or drugs) then do not use this medicine as it can be addictive and you may have many side effects to it.

How to store this medicine and what should be avoided during its use?

Do not share this medicine with anyone just because you think they have the same condition as you. Store this medicine at room temperature, ina  dry place. This medicine should not be kept in a bathroom and should be stored away from direct heat and light. Keep this medicine away from the reach of children and pets. Driving, operating heavy machinery, or any such activities which require you to be alert should be avoided as this medicine makes you drowsy. Intake of liquid or any other form of alcohol should be avoided as it may react with the medicine and cause serious harm.

There is a misconception amongst people that abusing prescription drugs is somehow less harmful. However, the truth cannot be farther from it, misusing prescription drugs is as harmful as abusing illicit drugs. The abuse percentage of prescription drugs is the highest as they are easily available and accessible to everyone.