Carisoprodol (Soma®) is the recommended international nonproprietary name of a drug prescribed for the relief of pain, muscle spasm and limited mobility associated with painful skeletomuscular conditions. Currently it is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and is available therapeutically by prescription. Carisoprodol is currently controlled in the following states:
Carisoprodol has been reviewed by the Drug Enforcement Administration after receiving information from medical professionals, state regulatory authorities and law enforcement personnel indicating that the drug is being diverted, trafficked and abused. Federal , state, and local sources of information indicate that carisoprodol abuse is significant , widespread and increasing. Analysis of data obtained for the period 1980-1996 from the System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE) revealed that carisoprodol has been encountered by law enforcement personnel in twenty seven states and the District of Columbia. There are over 229 cases in STRIDE that involve seizures, undercover purchases or "gifts" of carisoprodol. Carisoprodol has been shown to produce barbiturate or alcohol-type effects; carisoprodol abuse has resulted in injury (seizures, coma) and death. Carisoprodol has often been abused in combination with products containing codeine or hydrocodone.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has collected relevant data and requested a scientific and medical evaluation and scheduling recommendation for carisoprodol from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Office of Diversion Control of the Drug Enforcement Administration continues to gather information on the abuse, diversion and trafficking of carisoprodol. Reports of actual abuse are an extremely important factor in establishing the abuse potential of a substance for control under the Controlled Substances Act. Please contact Doctor Kira Hutchinson at the below address for further information, or to report any encounter with carisoprodol.
To facilitate the forwarding of information to Doctor Hutchinson, you can email the information to the LAPD DRE Unit, and we will print it and forward it.
Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section
Office of Diversion Control
Drug Enforcement Administration
Washington, DC 20537
Phone: (202) 307-7183
Fax: (202) 307-8570
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This page was updated 12-15-97
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