I've been taking Soma close to 3 years now, and I could go for weeks without taking any, and not suffer any ill effects. Just recently, I had run out of the Soma and suffered some withdrawal symptoms. They weren't severe, but they were very uncomfortable (have written a thread about it).

IMHO, I think it's great for relieving muscle spasms (I have herniated disks at L4-L5) and to be able to sleep through the night. It also helps to relieve the pain, but that is probably because the spasms I have with my back pain are reduced by the Soma. I've taken Flexeril as well, but all that did was knock me out without really helping to manage my pain and muscle spasms. I really agree with the fact that the older drugs can sometimes be the better ones - they have been around for a longer period of time, there is more information on them and they are not being given to the pharmaceutical reps. by the pharm. companies to the doctors to 'sell', or, ummm, prescribe.

I just have a very negative opinion regarding a lot of the new meds coming out. When I go to the doctor's office, there are pens and notepads and posters on the office wall promoting Lexapro, Celebrex, Vioxx, etc., and these seem to be given out so often (even after I told the doctor that these do NOT work for me).

Corrie