Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant medication commonly prescribed to treat musculoskeletal pain, including pain from strains, sprains, and other injuries. It is also used to treat muscle spasms and to provide short-term relief of discomfort due to acute muscle problems. Carisoprodol is a central nervous system depressant and should be used with caution when combined with other medications that may cause drowsiness or other sedative effects.