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|Meprobamate Meprobamate

Meprobamate

Generic name: Meprobamate
Brand names: Miltown

Why is Meprobamate prescribed?

Meprobamate is a tranquilizer used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.

Most important fact about Meprobamate

Meprobamate can be habit-forming. You can develop tolerance and dependence, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Meprobamate abruptly. Discontinue Meprobamate or change your dose only on your doctor"s advice.

How should you take Meprobamate?

Take Meprobamate exactly as prescribed.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Meprobamate.

• More common side effects may include:
  Broken capillary blood vessels, diarrhea, drowsiness, impaired coordination, irregular or rapid heartbeat, low red blood cell count, nausea, rash, slurred speech, vertigo, vomiting, weakness

• Side effects due to rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Meprobamate:
  Anxiety, confusion, convulsions, hallucinations, inability to fall or stay asleep, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, muscle twitching, tremors, vomiting

Withdrawal symptoms usually become apparent within 12 to 48 hours after discontinuation of Meprobamate and should disappear in another 12 to 48 hours.

Why should Meprobamate not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Meprobamate or related drugs such as carisoprodol (Soma), you should not take Meprobamate.

You should not take Meprobamate if you have acute intermittent porphyria, an inherited disease of the body"s metabolism. It can make your symptoms worse.

Anxiety or tension related to everyday stress usually does not require treatment with Meprobamate. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your doctor.

Special warnings about Meprobamate

If you develop a skin rash, sore throat, fever, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately. You may be having an allergic reaction to the drug.

Meprobamate may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Meprobamate affects you.

Long-term use of Meprobamate should be evaluated by your doctor periodically for its usefulness.

If you have liver or kidney disorders, make sure your doctor is aware of these conditions before you begin using Meprobamate.

If you have epilepsy, use of Meprobamate may bring on seizures. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Meprobamate

Meprobamate may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Meprobamate.

If Meprobamate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Meprobamate with mood-altering drugs and central nervous system depressants such as the following:
Antidepressant drugs such as Elavil, Nardil, and Tofranil
Antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine and thioridazine (Mellaril)
Barbiturates such as Seconal and phenobarbital
Narcotics such as Percocet or Demerol
Tranquilizers such as Halcion, Restoril, and Valium

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take Meprobamate if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is an increased risk of birth defects. Meprobamate appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Meprobamate is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual dosage is 1,200 milligrams to 1,600 milligrams per day divided into 3 or 4 doses. You should not take more than 2,400 milligrams a day.

CHILDREN

The usual dose for children 6 to 12 years of age is 200 to 600 milligrams per day divided into 2 or 3 doses.

Meprobamate is not recommended for children under age 6.

OLDER ADULTS

Your doctor will limit your dose to the smallest effective amount to avoid oversedation.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

• The symptoms of Meprobamate overdose may include:
  Coma, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, severely impaired breathing, shock, sluggishness, and unresponsiveness