Among the more recent widely used drugs on the market today is Soma also known as Carisoprodol, (generic name). Used primarily as a muscle relaxant this medication basically works by blocking pain in areas between the brain and the nerves. It is commonly used by physicians and some chiropractors to treat back and leg injuries and other very painful musculosckeletal conditions along with prescribed periods of rest and physical therapy.

While there are many varied and serious side effects, virtually all that have taken the prescription drug report that it is very effective for relieving pain and some would even continue its use. Following are some of the possible reported side effects officially given as well as some of the side effects reported throughout the Internet on various websites by patients who were either presently taking the medication or had previously done so.

Virtually all persons having been administered the drug by injection reported strong discomfort or mild swelling at the leg or feet joints at the site of the needle's penetration.

Official Medical Side Effects are quite extensive and/or may include the following side effects: vertigo; sleepiness; migraines; skin eruptions; rash; hives; itching; gasping for breath; chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; voice distortions; fainting; tachycardia; fever; chills; loss of coordination; mood or mental changes (eg, agitation, depression, irritability); fits; severe or persistent troubled sleep; and shaking. Insomnia, syncope and ataxia also have been reported. Central respiratory depression and occasional esophagus distress may also occur.

Unfortunately, they correlate to the many side effects reported by Soma users of all ages, backgrounds, and medical histories; moreover, even when they do not match exactly, they are similar enough to indicate extreme caution needs to be taken when consuming the medication.

The side effects reported by an overwhelming majority of users were: stomach cramps; heartburn and profuse sweating; flush face; fast heart rate; slowed thinking; nausea; euphoria; light-headiness; dizziness; lack of balance; difficulty standing, walking, breathing and talking; amnesia; addiction; tremors; slurred speech; stiffness and slow reactions. Also, liver damage, semi-comatose state, depression and postural hypo-tension.

All agreed it indeed relaxed the muscles and nerves as no other medication used previously but as one patient reported on an online survey, "this stuff is hardcore".

Warning: This drug may create an addiction so it is best not distributed to any persons with previous or current drug addiction histories or tendencies.