Carisoprodol is a noncontrolled skeletal muscle relaxant whose active metab
olite is meprobamate, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Although several
case reports have shown that carisoprodol has abuse potential, it continues
to be widely prescribed. The usage patterns of 40 patients who had taken c
arisoprodol for three or more months (20 of whom had no history of substanc
e abuse and 20 of whom carried a diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence
) were reviewed and compared and a survey was conducted to assess physician
awareness of the abuse potential of the drug. Findings showed that some pa
tients using carisoprodol for over three months may abuse the medication, e
specially those individuals with a history of substance abuse. A significan
t percentage of the physician population is unaware of the potential of car
isoprodol for abuse and of its metabolism to meprobamate, a controlled subs
tance. Physicians should exercise caution when prescribing carisoprodol, es
pecially if the patient has a history of substance abuse.