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. 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. 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. 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. This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. Find patient medical information for Carisoprodol (Soma) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Patients at high risk of SOMA abuse may include those with prolonged use of carisoprodol, with a history of drug abuse, or those who use SOMA in combination with other abused drugs. 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. Soma (Carisoprodol) may treat musculoskeletal pain. Learn about side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications.