Description of Soma

Soma, the trade name for the drug carisoprodol, which also goes by the brand name Vanadom, is used in allopathic medicine as a muscle relaxant. The name "soma" comes from the Vedic word for a hallucinogenic drink that was historically used in religious rituals.

Features

• Soma is a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It blocks pain communication between the brain and the nerves.

Function

• Soma is used in the treatment of people with musculoskeletal issues for such conditions as lower back pain.

Consideration

• Soma may be habit forming. Due to problems of side effects and addiction, Sweden took it off the market in 2007.

Warning

• Soma should not be taken by people with liver or kidney diseases, or with seizure disorders such as epilepsy.

History

• Carisoprodol was developed by Czech microbiologist Frank M. Berger at a United Kingdom lab during World War II.