Meprobamate Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Meprobamate

Generic name: meprobamate [ ME-proe-BAM-ate ]
Brand names: Equanil, Miltown, MB-TAB
Dosage form: oral tablet (200 mg; 400 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 22, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is meprobamate?

Meprobamate is used short-term to treat anxiety.

Meprobamate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use meprobamate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

- porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or

- an allergy to carisoprodol, mebutamate, tybamate, or carbromal.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

- kidney disease;

- liver disease; or

- alcoholism or drug addiction.

May harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using meprobamate.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

## How should I take meprobamate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Meprobamate may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Never share this medicine with another person. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using meprobamate suddenly after using it long term or at high doses. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness or dizziness, loss of coordination, slurred speech, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

## What should I avoid while taking meprobamate?

Drinking alcohol with meprobamate can cause side effects.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

## Meprobamate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, fever, chills, wheezing, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Meprobamate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- feelings of extreme happiness, feeling restless or excited;

- thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

- fast or pounding heartbeats;

- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

- a red, itchy rash (may be only in your groin area);

- unusual bruising; or

- sudden fever, chills, sore throat, weakness.

Common side effects of meprobamate may include:

- drowsiness, weakness;

- problems with balance or muscle movement;

- headache, dizziness;

- bruising;

- numbness or tingling;

- blurred vision; or

- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Meprobamate side effects (more detail)

## Meprobamate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:

1200 to 1600 mg orally divided in 3 or 4 doses
Maximum dose: 2400 mg per day
Comments:
-The lowest effective dose should be used in order to limit oversedation.
-The effectiveness beyond 4 months has not been assessed.
Uses: Management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anxiety:

Age: 6 to 12 years:
200 to 600 mg orally divided in 2 or 3 doses
Age: 13 years or older:
1200 to 1600 mg orally divided in 3 or 4 doses
Maximum dose: 2400 mg per day
Comments:
-The lowest effective dose should be used in order to limit oversedation.
-The effectiveness beyond 4 months has not been assessed.
Uses: Management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms

Detailed Meprobamate dosage information

## What other drugs will affect meprobamate?

Using meprobamate with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect meprobamate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Meprobamate drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about meprobamate

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (14)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

MB-TAB, Miltown

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Anxiety

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.