How Long Does Soma (Carisoprodol) Stay in Your System- A Complete Guide

Soma, the brand name for carisoprodol, is a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant used to relieve pain and discomfort caused by muscle injuries or strains. While Soma provides effective relief for many, it is essential to understand how long this medication stays in your system. especially if you are undergoing drug testing, managing potential side effects, or considering discontinuation. The duration that Soma remains detectable in your body depends on several factors such as dosage, metabolism, and individual health conditions. This guide breaks down the science behind Soma’s metabolism, detection times in various drug tests, and important considerations to help you use this medication safely.

What is Carisoprodol (Soma pill)?

Carisoprodol, commonly known by the brand name Soma pill, is a prescription muscle relaxant. It is used to relieve acute musculoskeletal pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or injuries [1]. It works by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain, helping muscles relax and reducing spasms [2]. For severe pain, a doctor may prescribe Soma 350 mg, but it is crucial to take this medication only under medical supervision to ensure safe and effective use. Self-medicating or exceeding the recommended dose can increase the risk of side effects and dependency.

How Soma Works In The Body?

Soma pills act as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. After intake, the Soma pill helps in effective pain management by absorbing into the bloodstream. It then quickly travels to the brain and spinal cord. There, it interrupts the communication between nerve signals in the brain and muscles, resulting in reduced pain perception and muscle relaxation. Soma is metabolized in the liver and broken down into meprobamate [2].

The effects of Soma usually begin within 30 minutes of oral administration and can last between 4 and 6 hours [3]. Because of its sedative properties, it is typically prescribed for short-term use (3 weeks) to avoid the risk of dependence, tolerance, or misuse [4].

How Long Does Soma Stay In Your System?

How long Soma stays in the system varies depending on individual factors. One key factor that determines the time of elimination of the Soma pill or Carisoprodol from the body is the half-life of the medication.

Half Life Of Soma

The average carisoprodol half-life is around 2 to 3 hours [5]. While its active metabolite, meprobamate, can have a much longer half-life of up to 16 hours [6]. This means that while Soma itself may leave your bloodstream quickly, meprobamate can stay much longer, potentially making it more detectable.

Based on the Soma half-life, it takes about 15 hours for Carisoprodol to leave the system. Whereas, it may take 3.33 days for the body to eliminate Meprobamate.

Factors That Affect How Long Soma Stays In Your System?

The time Soma stays in your system varies from person to person. Several personal and medical factors influence how quickly the body processes and eliminates the drug. Some of the factors that affect how long Carisoprodol stays in your system are listed below.

Dosage and Frequency of Use

Higher doses and frequent use can cause the drug and its metabolite to build up in the body, extending the clearance time. Long-term users may take longer to eliminate Soma compared to those using it occasionally.

Metabolism Rate

Individuals with a faster metabolism may process and eliminate Soma more quickly. Conversely, a slower metabolic rate can prolong the presence of the drug in the system.

Age and Body Weight

Older adults may metabolize medications more slowly due to changes in liver function and overall organ efficiency. Additionally, people with higher body fat may store more of the drug, especially its fat-soluble metabolite, affecting how long it lingers.

Liver and Kidney Function

Soma is broken down in the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. Any impairment in these organs can delay the drug’s clearance and increase the time it remains detectable.

Hydration and Diet

Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can support healthy liver and kidney function, potentially helping the body flush out Soma more efficiently.

Use of Other Substances

Using alcohol or other central nervous system depressants alongside Soma can interfere with how it’s metabolized. Some drugs may slow down or speed up the breakdown process, affecting how long Soma stays in your system.

Genetic Factors

Genetic variations in liver enzymes (like CYP2C19, which helps metabolize Soma) can influence how fast or slow your body processes the medication.

Does Soma Show Up On A Drug Test?

Yes, Soma (Carisoprodol) can show up on certain drug tests if they are particularly designed to detect the presence of Carisoprodol.

The detection time frame for the Soma drug test is listed below.

Urine Test

This is the most common type of drug test. Soma and its metabolite, meprobamate, can typically be detected in urine for 2 to 3 days after the last dose. Frequent or long-term users may test positive for a longer period.

Blood Test

Carisoprodol can typically be detected in the blood for up to 24 hours after use. However, the detection is most accurate when the blood sample is collected within the first 4 hours of ingestion. Blood tests are less commonly used due to their shorter detection window, but are helpful in clinical or emergency cases.

Saliva Test

Saliva testing may detect Soma for up to 4 hours after your last dose, but it is not as widely used as urine testing for this specific drug.

Hair Follicle Test

Hair testing has the longest detection window. Traces of Soma or its metabolite may be detectable for up to 30 days or longer, though this type of test is less commonly used for Soma.

Who May Be Tested for Soma (Carisoprodol)?

Some people who may be tested for the presence of Carisoprodol pain medication in the system are listed below.

Military Personnel

Military members are often responsible for operating heavy machinery, piloting vehicles, or participating in high-stakes operations. The sedative effects of Soma, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired alertness, can affect their productivity. For this reason, drug testing for Soma may be done in military environments.

Rehabilitation Patients

Individuals in drug rehabilitation programs are routinely tested for a broad range of substances, including Carisoprodol. Despite not being classified as a primary drug of abuse, Soma is often misused for its calming and sedative effects. Patients with a history of CNS depressant abuse may be monitored for Soma use as part of relapse prevention and treatment compliance.

Criminal Investigations

Soma pills may also be tested in criminal cases, especially when it is suspected to have been used to facilitate intoxication or as part of illegal activities. Its effects are similar to benzodiazepines, which are known to be used in crimes such as drug-facilitated assault.

Safety-Sensitive Employees

Employees in high-risk jobs, such as machine operators, truck drivers, bus drivers, and airline pilots, may be subject to extensive drug screenings.

Common Symptoms Of Soma Overdose And Withdrawal

Some of the symptoms of an overdose of Soma pills include-

• blurred vision
• headache
• loss of consciousness
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• weakness of the arms and legs
• difficult or troubled breathing
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• muscle stiffness or tightness [7].

Common Soma Withdrawal Symptoms

According to Current Drug Abuse Reviews, the symptoms of Soma withdrawal include-

• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Muscle twitching
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Ataxia (loss of control over body movements)
• Delusions [8].

Tips To Help Soma Clear Your System Faster

Some of the effective ways to help eliminate Soma faster from the system are listed below.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water helps support kidney function, which plays a key role in eliminating Soma and its metabolite through urine. It is advisable to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.

Exercise

Moderate physical activity helps to boost circulation and metabolism. This can help your body process and clear Carisoprodol faster. Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or yoga can be effective.

Better Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins gives the liver and kidneys the nutrients they need to work better.

Avoid Alcohol and Other Substances

Using alcohol or other CNS depressants can affect the liver and interfere with the metabolism of Soma. So, it is advisable to avoid taking alcohol and other substances with Soma pain medication.

Get Rest

Sleep is essential for cellular repair and liver function. Poor sleep can disrupt the body’s natural detox processes. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep per night.

How Long Does Carisoprodol Stay In Your System- Our Final Thought

Carisoprodol (Soma) is a fast-acting muscle relaxant that works within 30 minutes of intake. Carisoprodol has a half-life of 3 hours and thus stays in the system for about 15 hours. Whereas, meprobamate, the metabolite of Carisoprodol, has a half-life of 16 hours, and it takes about 3.33 days for the body to eliminate it.

Several factors, including age, dosage, metabolism, and liver health, influence how quickly the drug is eliminated. While it may not appear on standard drug panels, certain groups, like military personnel, rehab patients, or safety-sensitive workers, may still be tested for Soma use. If you are looking to speed up the process of eliminating Soma from your system, hydration, healthy lifestyle choices, and medical guidance may be beneficial. Also, never quit Soma abruptly without consulting a doctor.