Carisoprodol Detox and Withdrawal
A doctor will prescribe carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, for relief of discomfort and pain because of sprains, strains and other muscle injuries. Carisoprodol produces sedative-hypnotic effects, which are highly addictive, resulting in increased dosages being taken without medical direction. Carisoprodol misuse or abuse can result in severe physical or psychological dependence. Long-term use of carisoprodol is discouraged because of its strong abuse potential.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using the drug for short periods (no more than two to three weeks) to avoid the risk of withdrawal symptoms, dependence and abuse. Carisoprodol is not a scheduled drug under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, but it is regulated by some states. Make the step and stop the damage that carisoprodol is doing to your body.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates emergency room visits attributed to carisoprodol misuse or abuse doubled from 15,830 visits in 2004 to 31,763 visits in 2009. More than one-third of the carisoprodol-related emergency room visits resulted in hospitalization. In 12 percent of the emergency room visits attributed to carisoprodol, alcohol was also involved. Of the emergency room visits attributed to carisoprodol in 2009, 25 percent included one other drug, 33 percent involved two other drugs, 12 percent involved three other drugs, and 12 percent involved four or more other drugs. Eighteen percent of those 2009 emergency room visits involving the drug were attributed to just carisoprodol.
Why Should I Detox?
The misuse and abuse of carisoprodol is a growing problem. Use over an extended period may develop into a carisoprodol addiction . If combined with other drugs, such as alcohol or other sedatives, the result can be fatal. Carisoprodol’s sedative properties can impair your physical abilities including operating machinery or driving. According to the FDA, there have been reports of motor vehicle accidents attributed to the use of carisoprodol.
Consuming carisoprodol over a long period may result in tolerance, making it necessary to take increasing amounts to produce the same effect. Taking large quantities of carisoprodol can result in dangerous consequences, including death. Chronic use of the drug has a high probability of causing irreversible liver damage.
Experiencing Detox
Suddenly stopping or dramatically reducing your intake of carisoprodol after heavy and extended use may cause withdrawal symptoms consisting of:
- Sleep problems
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Seizure
“Your body needs time to recover from continued carisoprodol use.”Your body needs time to recover from continued carisoprodol use. During your stay at a withdrawal treatment facility, your heart rate, temperature, blood pressure and breathing will be monitored, as well as your fluids and electrolytes. The withdrawal symptoms you experience may require sedation; they are not usually life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable. Sedation may permit your symptoms to be slowly reduced. If the doctor considers it necessary, you may be given medications to reduce any other symptoms you may be experiencing. During your stay at the carisoprodol detox center, you may undergo a series of tests and receive treatment for medical issues, such as liver damage, caused by your drug use. Do not let possible irreversible damage to your body become a reality.
Your doctor will want to know about any other health issues that may have been exacerbated by your drug use. You will possibly undergo testing for depression and other mental illnesses. Your honesty with the doctor is crucial; he or she is there to assist you. Addiction treatment may be negatively affected by your dishonesty or lack of details.
Will It Be Enforced Treatment?
If this is the first time you are seeking the aid of a carisoprodol withdrawal treatment facility, you may be unsure of what to anticipate or may have some misconceptions about what will or will not occur while in detox. You can leave residential treatment facilities at any time, even if you have been ordered by the court to undergo detox. The court may assess penalties if you leave, but the option to leave is available to you throughout your time in detox.