Meprobamate is used to treat anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Meprobamate is in a class of medications called tranquilizers. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation.
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 medication without talking to your doctor, especially if you have been taking it for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking meprobamate if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take meprobamate because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Skip it completely; then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
drowsiness
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
headache
difficulty coordinating movements
excitement
weakness
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
Meprobamate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
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/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
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 Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.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 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.
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.
Last Revised - 10/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.