title: [Dependence on carisoprodol (Somadril)? A prospective withdrawal study among prisoners].
abstract: Carisoprodol (Somadril) was gradually withdrawn for a fortnight in nine male prisoners who had been taking daily doses of from 700 to 2,100 mg for at least nine months. The patients were assessed clinically during the withdrawal period, with special attention to the occurrence of abstinence symptoms. Most of the patients reported mental distress, such as anxiety, insomnia and irritability. Cranial and muscular pain and vegetative symptoms were also frequently reported. Most of these symptoms were transient, and no seizures or psychotic reactions occurred. Our information from drug addicts indicates that carisoprodol can be misused as a narcotic. The occurrence of abstinence symptoms during withdrawal supports this supposition. We propose a more gradual reduction of the doses when terminating medication with carisoprodol in general practice.
authors.affiliation: Helsetjenesten ved Ila landsfengsel og sikringsanstalt, Oslo.
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Wyller
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Korsmo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gadeholt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002328:Carisoprodol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D002328:Carisoprodol