Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Signs of a Carisoprodol Overdose?

S. Berger
S. Berger

Carisoprodol is a medication that is normally used to control muscle spasms, and relieve pain that can result from muscle issues. In addition to its effects on muscles, the body converts this chemical to the substance meprobamate, which has a sedating effect on the central nervous system, working in a similar manner to some anti-anxiety medications. The multiple actions of this drug make it particularly dangerous if large amounts are taken. Therefore, individuals taking this medication should learn to recognize the signs of a carisoprodol overdose.

Not all individuals show identical effects in the event of a carisoprodol overdose. Many factors, including the dosage taken and the possibility of other substances being involved are taken into account. Normal carisoprodol dosages are usually between 250 milligrams (mg) to 350 mg taken every six hours. Amounts that are even slightly above this dosage may result in consequences such as mood alterations and euphoria, pupil dilation, and a lack of coordination in one's actions. The individual will still be lucid, and capable of rational thought, however.

Drug interactions with certain other medications can increase the risk of a carisoprodol overdose.
Drug interactions with certain other medications can increase the risk of a carisoprodol overdose.

At higher doses, the symptoms presented during a carisoprodol overdose become more dangerous. Confusion, delirium, or even hallucinations can cause individuals to exhibit bizarre behavior and become agitated. Alternately, blood pressure may drop, or an individual may lose control over eye movements or body movements altogether. Seizures can potentially occur.

Consuming alcohol while taking carisoprodol may greatly increase the likelihood of adverse affects.
Consuming alcohol while taking carisoprodol may greatly increase the likelihood of adverse affects.

The most serious outcomes of a carisoprodol overdose involve seizures, coma, and respiratory problems. These symptoms can all be fatal if they are allowed to continue uncontrolled. Emergency medical services should be informed at the first sign of an overdose in order to avoid a progression of symptoms that can have lifelong, or even lethal, consequences.

Carisoprodol should not be in conjunction with benzodiazepines, which are sometimes prescribed to help alleviate chronic anxiety disorders.
Carisoprodol should not be in conjunction with benzodiazepines, which are sometimes prescribed to help alleviate chronic anxiety disorders.

Avoiding a carisoprodol overdose is not only a matter of taking only the recommended dose. Care must also be taken when combining this medication with other drugs that affect the central nervous system (CNS). CNS depressants, including opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs such as diazepam, and sleep aids may all increase the risk of harmful interactions and overdose. Consuming any amount of alcohol may also greatly increase the potential for these effects to occur.

Combining carisoprodol and alcohol can result in a life-threatening condition, and may require CPR or other life-saving measures.
Combining carisoprodol and alcohol can result in a life-threatening condition, and may require CPR or other life-saving measures.

Over time, tolerance can build to this drug, so individuals will need larger amounts of the drug to experience symptom relief. This situation may increase the chances of overdose, as tolerance does not build to all aspects of carisoprodol at the same rate. Carisoprodol should only be used for two to three weeks at a time to avoid increases in tolerance that can play a role in overdose.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Drug interactions with certain other medications can increase the risk of a carisoprodol overdose.
      By: JJAVA
      Drug interactions with certain other medications can increase the risk of a carisoprodol overdose.
    • Consuming alcohol while taking carisoprodol may greatly increase the likelihood of adverse affects.
      By: lacamerachiara
      Consuming alcohol while taking carisoprodol may greatly increase the likelihood of adverse affects.
    • Carisoprodol should not be in conjunction with benzodiazepines, which are sometimes prescribed to help alleviate chronic anxiety disorders.
      By: ivolodina
      Carisoprodol should not be in conjunction with benzodiazepines, which are sometimes prescribed to help alleviate chronic anxiety disorders.
    • Combining carisoprodol and alcohol can result in a life-threatening condition, and may require CPR or other life-saving measures.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Combining carisoprodol and alcohol can result in a life-threatening condition, and may require CPR or other life-saving measures.
    • Signs of a carisoprodol overdose may include a drop in blood pressure.
      By: Rido
      Signs of a carisoprodol overdose may include a drop in blood pressure.
    • A carisoprodol overdose may have lethal consequences.
      By: Rob Byron
      A carisoprodol overdose may have lethal consequences.
    • The most serious outcomes of a carisoprodol overdose involve seizures, coma, and respiratory problems.
      By: elenarostunova
      The most serious outcomes of a carisoprodol overdose involve seizures, coma, and respiratory problems.
    • At higher doses, the symptoms presented during a carisoprodol overdose may become more dangerous.
      By: ducdao
      At higher doses, the symptoms presented during a carisoprodol overdose may become more dangerous.
    • The body converts carisoprodol to meprobamate, which has a sedating effect.
      By: zhagunov_a
      The body converts carisoprodol to meprobamate, which has a sedating effect.