In the postmarketing experience with Carisoprodol, cases of dependence, withdrawal, and abuse have been reported with prolonged use.
Most cases of dependence, withdrawal, and abuse occurred in patients who have had a history of addiction or who used Carisoprodol tablets in combination with other drugs with abuse potential. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported following abrupt cessation after prolonged use.
To reduce the chance of Carisoprodol dependence, withdrawal, or abuse, Carisoprodol tablets should be used with caution in addictionprone patients and in patients taking other CNS depressants including alcohol, and Carisoprodol should not be used more than two to three weeks for the relief of acute musculoskeletal discomfort.
One of the metabolites of Carisoprodol, meprobamate (a controlled substance), may cause dependence.
The mechanism of action of Carisoprodol in relieving discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions has not been clearly identified. In animal studies, muscle relaxation induced by Carisoprodol is associated with altered interneuronal activity in the spinal cord and in the descending reticular formation of the brain.