A large number of people across the globe suffer from body pain every day and search for effective treatment options.
To get rid of this, many people trust two of the most effective medications, that are Tramadol and Carisoprodol.
Both these medications are used to provide relief from pain but have many differences.
The outstanding potency of these medications makes it common for individuals to compare Carisoprodol and Tramadol.
In this guide, you will learn the differences between Tramadol and Carisoprodol and, accordingly, choose the best one for you.
What Is Carisoprodol?
Carisoprodol is a medication approved by the FDA to relieve discomfort associated with short-term musculoskeletal conditions [1].
This medication is often used in combination with physical therapy, rest, and other treatments.
What Is Tramadol?
Tramadol is an opioid pain medication that is approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe pain in adults.
We have a detailed guide to opioid pain medications to help you understand how they work to alleviate pain.
Similarities Between Carisoprodol And Tramadol
Legal Status –
In the USA, Carisoprodol and Tramadol are schedule IV controlled substances, which means both of these medications have a very low risk of physical and psychological dependence.
FDA Approval –
Carisoprodol and Tramadol are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Carisoprodol got its approval in 1959, whereas Tramadol was approved in 2008.
Brand Versions –
Carisoprodol brand names – Various medications made from the compound carisoprodol are available in the market to effectively treat short-term musculoskeletal pain. Some of these brand medicines are Soma, Soma-Dol, Vanadom, and Pain-O-Soma, among others.
Tramadol brand names – Ultram, Conzip, and Ryzolt, among others [3].
Pregnancy Category –
Soma and Tramadol are pregnancy Category C medications. Pregnancy Category C means animal studies have shown an adverse event on the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in humans [4].
Therefore, pregnant women should refrain from taking these medications without proper consultation with a doctor.
Side Effects –
Both pain medications can have side effects. The common side effects of soma pills include – Drowsiness, nausea, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, headache, stomach upset, and vomiting [5].
Serious side effects of soma pills include – seizures and difficulty breathing.
The common side effects of tramadol are sweating, constipation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, low energy, dry mouth, and feeling sleepy, tired, or dizzy [6].
Serious side effects of tramadol include respiratory depression, heart rhythm problems, and serotonin syndrome [7].
Differences Between Tramadol And Soma
Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant, while Tramadol is an opioid analgesic. This difference in their classification reflects their distinction in their therapeutic uses and other factors.
Dosage And Administration
Soma pain medication is available in the dosage strengths of 250 mg and 350 mg, which can be increased to 500 or 750 mg in severe cases.
This medication comes in tablet form and should be taken by mouth with or without food.
The use of this medication is not recommended for more than three weeks.
Whereas Tramadol is available in dosage strengths of 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 200mg, 300mg, and 400mg.
Like Soma, this medicine should be taken by mouth. The regular dosage is usually taken with or without food and as directed by a doctor.
Medical Uses
Soma pills are primarily indicated for treating acute musculoskeletal pain, such as muscle sprains and strains.
Tramadol is used for chronic pain, neuropathic pain, post-operative pain, and pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Onset Of Action –
Onset of action is defined as the time taken by a medicine to show its effects. The onset of action of Carisoprodol is 30 minutes, whereas that of Tramadol is 1 hour.
Precautions And Warnings
The following precautions should be followed by individuals while taking Soma pills or Tramadol.
- The administration of alcoholic beverages while taking Carisoprodol or Tramadol is not advisable.
- Driving and operating heavy machinery should be avoided while taking these pain medications, as they can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- The use of Tramadol is advisable for children and adults over the age of 12. Whereas Carisoprodol is not recommended for people below 16 years.
- The use of these analgesics should not be discontinued suddenly without consulting a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug interaction can be defined as an interaction that occurs when one drug alters the effects of another drug.
640 drugs can interact with Tramadol. Out of which 300 are major, 338 are moderate, and 3 are minor.
Some moderate and major drug interactions of Tramadol are as follows –
Major drug interactions | Moderate drug interactions |
Cariprazine | Valerian |
Acetylcarbromal | Oxybutynin |
Gabapentin | Lactitol |
Flurazepam | Benadryl |
Diazepam | Somatropin |
Ertapenem | Erythromycin |
Hydrocodone | Bicalutamide |
Methocarbamol | Diphenhydramine |
Carisoprodol can interact with 370 drugs. Of the total drug interactions, 1 is minor, 341 are moderate, and 28 are major [8].
A few major and moderate drug interactions of Carisoprodol include –
Major drug interactions | Moderate drug interactions |
Norco | Lyrica |
Vicodin | Benadryl |
Alfentanil | Ambien |
Oxycodone | Lexapro (escitalopram) |
Butorphanol | Xanan |
Soma Vs. Tramadol – Our Final Thoughts
Conclusively, Soma and Tramadol are two popular analgesics that treat different painful conditions in people.
Here are a few points to consider while choosing between the two medicines.
- Carisoprodol can help with short-term acute pain. Whereas Tramadol is recommended for chronic painful conditions.
- The onset of action of Carisoprodol is less than that of Tramadol.
- Tramadol can cause more severe side effects compared to the Soma pills.
- The drug interaction of Tramadol is much greater than that of Soma.
Based on our findings. Carisoprodol emerges as the best treatment option for acute pain. Whereas Tramadol is best suited for chronic painful conditions.
FAQs
Is Carisoprodol a good muscle relaxer?
Is tramadol a muscle relaxer?
Is soma a narcotic?
Can you take soma and tramadol together?
References
- Carisoprodol, NCBI
- Tramadol, drugs.com
- Tramadol (Oral Route), Mayo Clinic
- FDA Pregnancy Categories, Drugs.com
- Carisoprodol (Soma), buzzrx
- Side effects of tramadol, NHS
- What are the side effects of tramadol? medicalnewstoday
- Carisoprodol Interactions, drugs