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Skelaxin vs. Soma

Are Skelaxin and Soma the Same Thing?

Skelaxin (metaxalone) and Soma (carisoprodol) are skeletal muscle relaxant prescribed for the short-term treatment of painful muscle spasms.

Side effects of Skelaxin and Soma that are similar include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach.

Side effects of Skelaxin that are different from Soma include skin rash.

Side effects of Soma that are different from Skelaxin include agitation, tremor, trouble sleeping (insomnia), blurred vision, depression, and hiccups.

Both Skelaxin and Soma may interact with alcohol and other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (sleeping pill, narcotics, prescription cough medicines, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Skelaxin?

Common side effects of Skelaxin include:

  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • headache,
  • nervousness,
  • irritability,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • upset stomach, or
  • skin rash.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Skelaxin including stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Soma?

Common side effects of Soma include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Agitation
  • Nervousness
  • Tremor
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Inability to sleep (insomnia)
  • Blurred vision
  • Depression
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Upset stomach
  • Hiccups

What Is Skelaxin?

Skelaxin (metaxalone) is a skeletal muscle relaxant prescribed for the short-term treatment of painful muscle spasms. Skelaxin is available as a generic drug.

What Is Soma?

Soma (carisoprodol) is a muscle relaxant used for short-term relief of discomfort associated with painful muscle conditions.

What Drugs Interact With Skelaxin?

Significant drug interactions have not been reported with Skelaxin although it may increase the sedative effects of alcohol and drugs that cause sedation.

What Drugs Interact With Soma?

Soma interacts with other agents that slow the brain's processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (for example, lorazepam [Ativan]), and narcotics. There are no adequate studies of Soma in pregnant women. Soma accumulates in breast milk in concentrations 2-4 times the concentration in the mother's blood. The effects of Soma on the infants of lactating mothers are unknown. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Soma may cause dependence and is associated with withdrawal symptoms.

How Should Skelaxin Be Taken?

Skelaxin's usual dose is 800 mg taken three or four times daily.

How Should Soma Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Soma is 250-350 mg three times a day and at bedtime.

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