Why Soma Is Far More Dangerous Than People Think In this video, I discuss Soma (carisoprodol) and why it has long been one of the most misunderstood prescription medications. Although commonly labeled as a muscle relaxant, Soma is a potent central nervous system depressant with well-documented risks. For decades, the medical community has been aware of its abuse potential, toxicity, and difficulty with discontinuation. Its effects and overdose risk place it much closer to older sedative-hypnotic