Carisoprodol: an underrecognized drug of abuse in north India

BackgroundThere is limited literature on clinical profile of subjects abusing carisoprodol.MethodsOur series of 34 subjects shows that a typical subject was an unmarried, unemployed, urban resident from a nuclear family set up; was a substance abuser before being introduced to carisoprodol by another substance abuser; initiated the use to get a better “kick” and after regular use reported craving and withdrawal symptoms.ResultsThe effect of carisoprodol was dose dependent: a majority reported a feeling of general wellbeing on consuming up to three tablets; a hypomanic state with 4–10 tablets and confusion, disorientation and drowsiness with > 10 tablets at a time.ConclusionThus being an underrecognized drug of abuse, carisoprodol is in need of wider awareness and regulatory measures to prevent its emergence as a greater menace in the future.