Carisoprodol vs. Butabarbital
In an attempt to determine the mechanism of action of carisoprodol (Soma) in the treatment of low back pain, a double blind study was carried out comparing its effectiveness to that of a sedative control, butabarbital (a sedative), and a placebo in the treatment of 48 laborers with acute lumbar pain. The results of the study have shown that carisoprodol is significantly more effective than butabarbital or placebo in providing both subjective pain relief and objective improvements in range of motion when evaluated by finger to floor testing (4). The results of the study suggests that effects of carisoprodol are not due solely to sedative action, but are also related to its muscle relaxant activity.