NEW ORLEANS - With a valid prescription, it is a legal drug. However, the muscle relaxer Soma, and its generic form, Carisoprodol, are showing up in a growing number of DUI cases in Louisiana, according to State Police.
Video: Watch the Story "A lot of people don't understand, driving while intoxicated in Louisiana, covers alcohol, but it also covers drugs, whether illegal or legal," said Trooper Joseph Piglia with the Louisiana State Police.
In March, a member of the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab testified before a legislative committee about the increase in Soma-related DUI's. State police say that is based on anecdotal evidence, as the agency does not keep specific statistics relating to Soma.
"As with Soma, different medication like that, what people do, they do take one, they take a small drink afterward," Piglia said. "It does amplify the effects of being impaired. We do see that just as prevalent as drinking and driving, we do see people using medication behind the wheel."
A bill currently making its way through the state legislature could make it a lot harder to get Soma. House Bill 399 would classify the drug as a "Schedule Four Controlled Substance." In effect, it would tighten regulations on Soma.
"It's not a new drug. It's actually been out there for 20 or 30 years," said Dr. Kim Edward LeBlanc, with the LSU Health Sciences Center.
In his previous position as a coroner, Dr. LeBlanc said the drug would show up in some DUI accident victims.
"Often times, at autopsy, any time someone had an automobile accident, we frequently did an autopsy on those victims and we did drug studies on all of them-- and the toxicology very often had that in their system," Dr. LeBlanc said.
Determining if an impaired driver has Soma in their system, though, requires a blood or urine test-- one that specifically looks for the drug. More testing could be part of the reason for the increase in cases involving Soma.
"I think some of it is better testing, because originally, years ago, you did drug testing, that was not a drug particularly tested for it," Dr. LeBlanc said. "So, unless the drug test was actually being tested for, that drug screen wouldn't show up."
The bill to classify Soma as a "Schedule Four" drug passed in the House criminal justice committee last week. It now goes on to the House floor for a vote on May 29.
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
