Drugs Prone to Abuse: Soma

With street names like Ds, Dance, Las Vegas Cocktail, and Soma Coma, this drug is beginning to catch the eye of the Drug Enforcement Agency. It is important to be aware of this and any other drug to prevent abuse whether it be accidental or intentional.

What is Soma (Carispodol)?

Soma is a muscle relaxant prescribed to give relief to pain from muscle injuries and spasms. When taken in excess, Soma also causes drowsiness, giddiness, and relaxation. The drug carispodol is abused by metabolizing it into meprobamate, which is a schedule IV drug. The federal penalty for the manufacture, distribution or sale of Schedule IV drugs of any quantity isup to five years imprisonment and/or a $250,000.00 fine for a first offense with the penalty doubled for a second offense.

What does Soma (Carispodol) Look Like?

Soma can be found as a round convex white tablet inscribed with the word "SOMA" on one side and "37 WALLACE 2001" on the other. When combined with codeine the result is an oval 2 layer white and yellow tablet with "SOMA CC" on one side and "WALLACE 2403" on the other. When combined with aspirin, it is round, two layered, white and lavender tablets with the inscription "Par 246".

How is Soma (Carispodol) abused?

Most people who abuse Soma take it orally. It is often taken with alcohol and combined with other drugs for the maximum effect. Soma is often combined with Vicodin for a heroin-like effect.

Who is most likely to abuse Soma (Carispodol)?

People of all ages abuse Soma. The youngest abusers are around 12 years old. The heaviest problems are in Arizona and California as Carispodol is often obtained in Mexico under the name Somacid.

What are the risks of using Soma (Carispodol)?

When prescribed by a prescription, Soma is generally safe. When taken in excess of what is prescribed by a physician, users may experience side effects like blurry vision, dizziness, drowsiness, and vision loss, and lack of coordination. They may also experience chills, depression, racing, heartbeat, chest tightness, vomiting, and weakness. Signs of overdose are trouble breathing, shock, and coma. Like most drugs, abuse of Soma can result in death.

Is Soma (Carispodol) Abuse Illegal?

Abuse of Soma (Carispodol) is illegal. It is registered as a controlled substance in 12 states and reports of Soma abuse is monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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