Thanks I will check.

@fmichael:

The Soma product in 2007 was a NEW patent for a different dosing. The little company who has that patent, goes back several sales and mergers ago--so I would expect studies to have dates around that time. The original manufacturer was Wallace who also had Meprobamate (Miltown). The launch and thrust of the new Soma was to block generics and re-establish a brand name for the product and hence make more $$ for Meda.
This rather failed however at the time, as doctors and insurance formularies refused to pay for the added expense. However, I just did a search on Orange Book at the FDA site, and could not find generic Soma anymore. So something happened when it went on control I presume.

Soma is derived from Meprobamate BTW. So it has abuse potential. Also it has all the side effects etc. It is now a Federally controlled substance category IV. (4)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carisoprodol

Wallace was purchased and the name changed to Medpointe, which was also sold and became Meda. As far as I can remember this company provides all the raw material Soma powder to generic manufacturers still (there is a combo product with aspirin generically still available). (but that may have changed with the Meda takeover..so don't quote me on that).

Meprobamate has fallen into disuse in the US.

This is the listing from FDA Medwatch reports on Soma:
http://www.drugcite.com/?q=Soma

This drug in combination with opiates has a controversial status as contributing to death, by accident or suicidal intent.
In the past I've seen autopsy stats on this combo listed in several states in combination with hydrocodone. For this reason some doctors today may refuse to prescribe it.

This link shows the new patent for Soma 250mg issued in 2007.
http://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-soma.html

However, it also shows generic companies for it... but they do not show
up on the FDA listings today. So I don't know what the availability is for generics.

I take Skelaxin (Metaxalone) 800mg 4 time a day. For me, it helps. It isn't a cure all medicine or anything, but it takes the edge off enough for me to be able to do stuff. It also doesn't make me feel nauseous or drowzy, something that's really important since I'm a college student and since I have two jobs. It's not something I really "notice" working, but it's one of those that takes the edge off enough for me. I know that if I forget to take it a day, I definitely feel the difference...

Edit: Oops...just realized I apparently commented pretty much the same thing a few months ago haha...

Cyclobenzaprin helps some - never is it gone. I also use salan Paz patches and Deep Blue Rub, along with neck wraps daily.
Good luck

mrsD:
Thanks again for the info on low magnesium levels. I've opted to go the 3 oz of almonds each day and MagnesiumIT lotion route. The lotion is ordered. Meanwhile I'm enjoying the almonds. I'm glad to have the option of not taking another pill. The information in the links you provided is very interesting. Sounds like the magnesium might just be what I need. I hope so. I'm looking forward to some relief.

[QUOTE=KathyUK;971191]Can I ask why? I am on buprenorphine patches and would like to try the epsom baths but read this. Thanks!
I think Buprenorphine is Narcan so it may be an agonist and antagonist . It keeps you from feeling opiates and your Doctor probably thinks with RSD you may be on meds for years . I hope you were given a choice to try others . I have RSD and Rheumatoid Arthritis pretty serious ,I hope I can find a way to wipe ? Fibro too but I think all the Autoimmune diseases I list are a part of another disease. I only take 15 Mg of Baclofen 15 mg of Valium but it does help good luck
Gentle Hug
Mark

Definitel Baclofen you wont get a high until you realize howw much better your muscles are
Gentle Hug
Mark

I used to take flexeril and got rid of it and my anti inflammatory several years ago. I do have constant tightening of my muscles, like I can never relax. I am laying in bed now, my butt is tight, my neck is strained and tight, my legs, tight. I lay in bed trying to relax and when I focus on a body part, I realize it's very tense and constricted. Fr me taking more medication weighs heavily on me, so taking the muscle relaxer is not what I want to do.

I find that because f the narcotics, I easily have trouble getting enough water to drink. If I don't get enough fluid, then I have tighter muscles and Charlie Horse like cramps that wake me and have me leaping out of bed to release the tension. So make sure you are getting enough fluids, that could be exasperating the problem. Sometimes the solution is so simple we overlook it. Have so many peripheral issues that the RSD brings into our lives, so meant details, between taking so many meds at different intervals through the day, paying attention o what helps and what does not help managing the pain. It's easy to over analyze what is going on. The Pain Spec. I had when I lived in Az used to caution me, to to try figure it all out, focus on more whole body needs. When I do that, I have an easier time remembering to stay hydrated, to slow down and not force myself to perform to someone else's expectations. Best of luck. sylvia

Hi-
I have focal dystonia in my left qauds & hip flexors. The only thing that works for me, so I can ambulate is clonazepam, 2mg at night, 1 mg in AM. i also have 4mg of tizanadine I can take PRN...I cannot keep my eyes open for very long w/ it. My movement disorder doc & I have tried several different combinations....this is what works for me. I think everyone is different.

I can't do the patches because I can't have them touch my skin. I use baclofen because I am either allergic to or have used everything else. I don't sleep, spasms suck. Nothing seems to help much except for the Epsom salt bath for me and I use the lavender for calming effect. because usually by the time I get the my whole body has gone into spasms and my husband is trying to get me in the bath. I guess what I am trying to say is it just goes by what your body can handle, I am one of those that is allergic to everything so I am a pain in the hinny to treat. Good luck to all of us. And God Bless anyone that hasn't found us yet.