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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Carisoprodol withdrawal after internet purchase
Mackram F Eleid1, Lois E Krahn, Neera Agrwal
1Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. eleid.mackram@mayo.edu
Abruptly stopping carisoprodol can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including neurological and psychiatric issues. This under-recognized syndrome may be treated with benzodiazepines.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, has a metabolite, meprobamate, with abuse potential.
- Meprobamate is a controlled substance in the US due to sedative effects and abuse risk.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old man experienced worsening tremor, anxiety, myoclonus, ataxia, and psychosis upon carisoprodol cessation.
- Cognitive function improved significantly after hospital discharge following carisoprodol withdrawal.
Findings:
- Carisoprodol withdrawal presents as a significant, often overlooked, neurological syndrome.
- Neurologic symptoms like tremor, anxiety, and psychosis can emerge after carisoprodol discontinuation.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider carisoprodol withdrawal in patients with unexplained neurologic symptoms.
- Benzodiazepines show promise in managing carisoprodol withdrawal, warranting further research for optimal protocols.
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