Having trouble finding Soma at your pharmacy? Learn why Carisoprodol is hard to find in 2026, what's causing the shortage, and what you can do about it.
If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Soma (Carisoprodol), you're not alone. Many patients across the country have had trouble filling their Carisoprodol prescriptions in recent months. The reasons are complicated, but we'll break them down in plain language so you know what's going on — and what you can do about it.
Soma is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant that doctors prescribe for short-term relief of acute musculoskeletal pain. It's classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA, which means there are extra rules around how it's manufactured, distributed, and dispensed.
Because Carisoprodol is a Schedule IV controlled substance, the DEA sets limits on how much of it manufacturers can produce each year. These quotas are meant to prevent abuse and diversion, but they can also create bottlenecks in the supply chain. When demand exceeds what manufacturers are allowed to produce, shortages happen.
Over the years, some generic drug companies have stopped producing Carisoprodol. The brand-name version of Soma has been largely discontinued, and only a handful of generic manufacturers — including companies like Mylan, Sun Pharma, and Teva — continue to make it. When one manufacturer has a production issue, the remaining companies can't always pick up the slack fast enough.
Some pharmacies — especially large chain pharmacies — have become more cautious about stocking controlled substances. Soma has a history of misuse, and some pharmacists may limit how much they keep on hand. This doesn't mean you can't get it, but it does mean you might need to call around to find a pharmacy that has it in stock.
Like many medications, Carisoprodol relies on raw materials that are often sourced internationally. Disruptions in the global supply chain — whether from shipping delays, regulatory changes in manufacturing countries, or shortages of active pharmaceutical ingredients — can slow down production and delivery.
Doctors have become more cautious about prescribing Soma due to its abuse potential and the fact that it's metabolized into Meprobamate, a sedative with its own addiction risks. As fewer prescriptions are written, manufacturers may reduce production, which ironically makes it harder to find for the patients who do need it.
If your pharmacy tells you Soma is out of stock, don't panic. Here are some steps you can take:
The FDA tracks drug shortages, and Carisoprodol has appeared on and off shortage lists in recent years. However, even when there isn't an "official" national shortage, regional availability can vary widely. A pharmacy in one city may have plenty of stock while pharmacies in another area are completely out.
This is why tools like MedFinder are so helpful — they give you real-time information about which pharmacies near you actually have Soma available.
It's hard to predict exactly when supply issues will ease. As long as manufacturing quotas remain in place and fewer companies produce Carisoprodol, there will likely be occasional availability issues. The best thing you can do is plan ahead: try to refill your prescription a few days before you run out, and have a backup plan in case your usual pharmacy is out of stock.
For more tips on finding Soma, check out our guide on how to find Soma in stock near you. And if cost is a concern, read our article on how to save money on Soma in 2026.
Soma is harder to find than it used to be, and the reasons involve a mix of DEA regulations, fewer manufacturers, pharmacy stocking decisions, and supply chain issues. But with some persistence and the right tools, most patients can still fill their prescriptions. If you're struggling, MedFinder can help you locate Soma in stock near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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