Carisoprodol withdrawal after internet purchase.
BACKGROUND
Carisoprodol is a centrally acting muscle relaxant used in the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders whose main metabolite, meprobamate, is a controlled substance in the United States due to its sedative properties and potential for abuse.


METHODS
We report a case of a 51-year-old man with cognitive impairment and tremor who developed worsening tremor, anxiety, myoclonus, ataxia, and psychosis on abrupt cessation of carisoprodol. At hospital discharge, his cognitive function significantly improved compared with when he was on carisoprodol.


CONCLUSIONS
Carisoprodol withdrawal is an important and under-recognized syndrome that should be considered in patients presenting with neurologic symptoms who are taking the medication. Carisoprodol withdrawal can be successfully treated with the use of benzodiazepines, although further studies are needed to identify the most appropriate treatment protocol.
Eleid
Mackram F
MF
Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. eleid.mackram@mayo.edu
Krahn
Lois E
LE
Agrwal
Neera
N
Goodman
Brent P
BP
D002328:Carisoprodol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008620:Meprobamate / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology
D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D002328:Carisoprodol; D008620:Meprobamate