Carisoprodol Benefits
How do we know Carisoprodol is so good?
To get FDA approval, the manufacturer has to put the drug through detailed clinical trials to prove both effectiveness and safety. Once licensed, the performance of the drug is monitored. All hospitals and doctors in private practice are legally required to report serious problems with every drug on the market. In fact, remarkably few problems have been found in the real world. The performance has matched the original clinical trials.
How has Carisoprodol been tested?
It has recently been through two new trials to find out how effective it is in treating lower back pain. This affects large numbers of people in the US so finding the best treatment is good not only for the individuals, but also for the US economy which loses productivity through time off work. The trials were double-blind and randomized to ensure no one knew whether the participants were receiving Carisoprodol or the placebo. It was a condition of these trials that no other prescription drugs could be taken immediately before or during the time. Both studies were spread over seven days and participants were asked to assess their freedom of movement and associated pain before, during and after the trials. Both studies showed marked improvement in mobility and less pain.
How quickly does it work?
As a sedative, it is fast acting and produces relaxation in the body within thirty minutes. Thus, immediately after the injury, it is highly effective in encouraging rest. Even when some tolerance is established, people do still feel drowsy and, for the first few days, this gives the maximum chance for the healing to begin. The effect usually lasts for up to six hours.
How well does it work with the painkillers?
After the first period of rest, you must then start to move. This can cause pain and everyone is tempted to reach for the painkillers. Fortunately, Carisoprodol works well with the opioids and, in clinical trials, gives pain relief with smaller doses of the painkiller. This is particularly useful if the muscles are spasming because you get smoother movement with less pain.
Are there problems of dependence?
The regulators recommend Carisoprodol for the treatment of acute and not chronic pain. This reflects a possible concern about the potential for dependence. The US has not registered Carisoprodol as a controlled substance although some US states have so registered it. If you use this drug only over the short-term, there is nothing to worry about. You get all the benefits and no downside. But, if you use the drug to treat a long-term injury or disease, there are risks.