Meprobamate (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
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 this medication should be used
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.

Special precautions
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 to do if you forget a dose
Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Skip it completely; then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Minor side effects
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

Severe side effects
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/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
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
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.

Other information
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.

Brand names

 * MB-Tab®
 * Miltown®

Brand names of combination products

 * Equagesic® containing Meprobamate and Aspirin
 * Micrainin® containing Meprobamate and Aspirin