Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking soma as follows:
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your physician.
- This medication can induce some nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and self-limiting diarrhea, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Observe compliance with fluid, electrolyte, and nutrition intake, as recommended. If stomach upset and diarrhea are uncontrolled, report to your physician immediately for further recommendations.
- Soma can sometimes also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation in some individuals. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
- Notify your doctor of any unresolving muscle spasms, progressively worsening muscle pain and discomfort, compromised range of motion in the involved muscle groups, and any continuing or worsening unpleasant side-effects, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised.
