MedlinePlus Drug Information: Meprobamate

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Meprobamate

(me proe ba' mate)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?	What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names Brand names of combination products

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Meprobamate is used to treat anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Meprobamate comes as a tablet and extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take meprobamate exactly as directed.

Do not open, chew, or crush tablets or extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.

Meprobamate can be habit-forming, do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor, especially if you have been taking it for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking meprobamate,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to meprobamate, carisoprodol, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and medications, including certain brands of meprobamate), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for depression, cough, cold or asthma; sleep aids; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, porphyria, or epilepsy.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking meprobamate, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking meprobamate.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Skip it completely; then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Meprobamate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

drowsiness
upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea
headache
difficulty coordinating movements
excitement
weakness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash
itching
easy bruising
bloody nose
unusual bleeding
tiny purple-colored skin spots
sore throat
fever
difficulty breathing
slurred speech
staggering
pounding or irregular heartbeat

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to meprobamate.

Call your doctor if you continue to have symptoms.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Meprobamate is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

MB-Tab®

Miltown®

Brand names of combination products Return to top

Equagesic® containing Meprobamate and Aspirin

Micrainin® containing Meprobamate and Aspirin

Last Revised - 04/01/2003
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer