Soma (Carisoprodol)

Posted on March 2008 in Drugs

What is Soma?

 

Soma is a muscle relaxer that works by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain.
Soma is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat injuries and other painful musculoskeletal conditions.
Soma may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

 

Important information about Soma

 

This medication may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Soma should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Soma after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using Soma suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Soma.

 

Before taking Soma

 

Soma may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Soma passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old.

 

How should I take Soma?

 

Take Soma exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Store Soma at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

 

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

 

What happens if I overdose?

 

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include shallow breathing, vision problems, fast heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations (seeing things), muscle stiffness, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

 

What should I avoid while taking Soma?

 

Soma can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Soma. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Soma.

Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate)

Posted on March 2008 in Drugs

LEXAPRO (escitalopram) is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is the pure S-enantiomer (single isomer) of the racemic bicyclic phthalane derivative citalopram.

 

LEXAPRO (escitalopram) is indicated for the following:

 

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

 

LEXAPRO (escitalopram) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

 

The efficacy of LEXAPRO in the treatment of major depressive disorder was established in three, 8-week, placebo-controlled trials of outpatients whose diagnoses corresponded most closely to the DSM-IV category of major depressive disorder.

 

A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least five of the following nine symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.

 

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

 

LEXAPRO is indicated for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The efficacy of LEXAPRO was established in three, 8-week, placebo-controlled trials in patients with GAD.

 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) that is persistent for at least 6 months and which the person finds difficult to control. It must be associated with at least 3 of the following symptoms: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.

 

The efficacy of LEXAPRO in the long-term treatment of GAD, that is, for more than 8 weeks, has not been systematically evaluated in controlled trials. The physician who elects to use LEXAPRO for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

 

HOW SUPPLIED

 

5 mg Tablets:

 

White to off-white, round, non-scored, film-coated. Imprint “FL” on one side of the tablet and “5″ on the other side.

 

10 mg Tablets:

 

White to off-white, round, scored, film-coated. Imprint on scored side with “F” on the left side and “L” on the right side.Imprint on the non-scored side with “10″.

 

20 mg Tablets:

 

White to off-white, round, scored, film-coated. Imprint on scored side with “F” on the left side and “L” on the right side.Imprint on the non-scored side with “20″ like here.

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