Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxer that blocks pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. Carisoprodol is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. Carisoprodol (Soma) is a muscle relaxant that's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort in people ages 16 to 64. The tablets are approved for short-term treatment only and should only be taken for up to 2 to 3 weeks. Soma is a drug that doctors prescribe for muscle pain and discomfort. It has sedative effects and can be habit-forming. Therefore, doctors recommend taking it for short periods to avoid. Find patient medical information for Carisoprodol (Soma) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Soma is the brand name for carisoprodol, a prescription muscle relaxant used to treat short-term pain from muscle injuries or spasms. It works by affecting the central nervous system to relax muscles and relieve discomfort. Soma is a muscle relaxer that blocks pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. Soma is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. Soma, a trade name for prescription drug carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxant legitimately prescribed to relieve pain from muscle injuries and spasms. When taken in dosages exceeding those recommended by physicians, Soma causes drowsiness, giddiness, and relaxation. Carisoprodol is used to relax certain muscles in your body and relieve the discomfort caused by acute (short-term), painful muscle or bone conditions. However, this medicine does not take the place of rest, exercise, physical therapy, or other treatments that your doctor may recommend for your medical condition. Soma (Carisoprodol) may treat musculoskeletal pain. Learn about side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications. Carisoprodol has a qualitatively different set of effects to that of meprobamate (Miltown). The medication is well tolerated and without adverse effects in the majority of patients for whom it is indicated.