Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Carisoprodol as follows:
- Carisoprodol, especially when taken in high doses, can lead to depression of respiratory center in the brain, exacerbation of SOB, and difficulty breathing. Low oxygen levels in the body with elevated carbon-di-oxide levels can contribute to altered levels of consciousness, sedation, slow & shallow breathing, severely compromised endurance and exercise tolerance, extreme fatigue, and development of seizures. Severe cases might also lead to emergency situations, such as, respiratory arrest and can result in serious debility and death. This risk with carisoprodol can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing central nervous and respiratory depression, such as, alcohol, opioid pain medications, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives. Carisoprodol could either be avoided for a safer alternative or used with extra caution in individuals with history of breathing issues, such as, asthma and COPD, to prevent development of any episodes of severe SOB and respiratory arrest.
- Porphyrins are compounds essential for synthesis of heme in the body. Heme is the iron containing and oxygen transporting unit of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to all the body tissues. Any irregularities or deficiencies in the pathway of heme synthesis can lead to accumulation of porphyrin molecules in the body leading to condition called porphyria. Individuals with porphyria due to reduced heme synthesis can present with signs and symptoms of poor oxygenation in various body tissues. Body tissues, such as, heart, lungs, muscle, brain, and intestines are highly oxygen dependent and poor oxygen delivery to these tissues can lead to symptoms of organ compromise. Individuals with porphyria can present with symptoms such as, abdominal pain, chest pain, muscle pain in the extremities & body aches, compromised endurance, shortness of breath even on mild exertion, episodes of confusion & disorientation, seizures, rapid and irregular heartbeat. Carisoprodol intake can result in increased risk for acute episodes of porphyria in individuals with history. In individuals with history of porphyria, carisoprodol must either be avoided for a better alternative or used with extra caution and close follow-up for any development/worsening of above mentioned symptoms of poor tissue oxygenation.
- Carisoprodol, especially when taken in high doses, carries the risk of depressing the cardiovascular center in the brain, which regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, intake of carisoprodol can result in low heart rate and blood pressure. Hypotension and bradycardia, secondary to carisoprodol intake, can contribute to the confusion and dizziness, thus significantly increasing the risk for fall and accidents. This risk with carisoprodol can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing hypotension and bradycardia, such as, antihypertensives, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives, and so, must be avoided.
