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Soma vs. Lioresal

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Carisoprodol (Soma) and Gablofen (baclofen) are both muscle relaxants, but they have different uses and methods of administration. Carisoprodol (Soma) is taken orally and is used for short-term relief of muscle pain and discomfort in people aged 16 to 64. It works by affecting nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord, but it can be habit-forming and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. On the other hand, Gablofen (baclofen) is given as an intrathecal injection through an implantable pump and is used to treat severe spasticity in people who can't tolerate or don't get enough relief from oral baclofen. It is not a controlled substance and is typically used for long-term treatment. Gablofen's side effects include muscle weakness, sleepiness, and dizziness. Unlike Carisoprodol, Gablofen requires a surgical procedure to implant the pump and regular refills by a healthcare professional.

Carisoprodol

(Soma)

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Intrathecal baclofen

(Lioresal)

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Summary for Soma

Prescription only

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. Researchers think the medication relaxes muscles by changing nerve activity in your nervous system. Carisoprodol (Soma) is a controlled substance because it has a risk for misuse and dependence. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and sleepiness.

Indications for Soma

  • Discomfort caused by painful muscle-related conditions (short-term only)

Pros and Cons for Soma

Pros

  • Works quickly (generally within 30 minutes) to relieve muscle pain and discomfort
  • Available in two different strengths
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Not a first-choice option for muscle pain
  • Typically taken four times daily
  • Can be habit-forming
  • Unknown if it's safe for people younger than age 16 or older than age 65

Common Side Effects for Soma

  • Drowsiness (13-17%)
  • Dizziness (7-8%)
  • Headache (3-5%)

Warnings for Soma

  • Extreme sleepiness and trouble with concentration
  • Risk for misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
  • Seizures

Summary for Lioresal

Prescription only

Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) is a muscle relaxant. It's given to adults and children ages 4 years and older to treat severe spasticity caused by certain conditions, like spinal cord injuries, that can't be treated with oral baclofen. Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) is typically given as a continuous infusion through an implantable pump. But before you can undergo the procedure to receive the pump, your healthcare team will inject test doses of intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) to see if it works for you. Some side effects of this medication include nausea, sleepiness, and dizziness.

Indications for Lioresal

  • Severe spasticity in people who are either having too many side effects from oral baclofen or who aren't getting enough symptom relief from it

Pros and Cons for Lioresal

Pros

  • A possible option for those who can't take oral baclofen
  • Less side effects compared to oral baclofen
  • Infused through a pump, so don't need to remember to take medication by mouth daily
  • Might be an option for children as young as 4 years old

Cons

  • The intrathecal pump must be placed by a surgeon while under anesthesia
  • Pump must be replaced after the battery runs out (5 to 7 years)
  • Refills must be given by a qualified healthcare professional
  • Some people might need the dose raised after long-term use because of tolerance.

Common Side Effects for Lioresal

  • Muscle weakness (up to 35%)
  • Sleepiness (up to 21%)
  • Headache (up to 11%)
  • Nausea and vomiting (up to 11%)
  • Convulsions (up to 10%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in arms and legs (up to 7%)
  • Stiff muscles (up to 6%)
  • Constipation (up to 5%)

Warnings for Lioresal

  • Withdrawal when stopping intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) suddenly
  • Intrathecal baclofen overdose
  • Worsening of other health conditions
  • Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
  • Ovarian cysts

Prices with our coupons for Soma vs. Lioresal

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Carisoprodol60 tablets / 350mg
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Baclofen60 tablets / 10mg
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