Uses
Meprobamate is used to treat anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Meprobamate is in a class of medications called tranquilizers. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation.
Side Effects Of Meprobamate
Meprobamate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- headache
- vision changes
- excitement
- weakness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- itching
- hives or skin blistering
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fever, sore throat, or chills
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- bloody nose
- tiny purple-colored skin spots
- loss of muscle coordination
- 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.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking meprobamate:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to meprobamate, carisoprodol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in meprobamate tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants, medications for anxiety, medications for mental illness, seizures, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had porphyria (a condition in which certain natural substances build up in the body and may cause stomach pain, changes in thinking and behavior, and other symptoms). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take meprobamate.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, or epilepsy. Also, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had thoughts of harming or killing yourself or trying to do so.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking meprobamate, call your doctor immediately. Meprobamate may harm the fetus.
- 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.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking meprobamate.
- you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol during your treatment with meprobamate. Alcohol can make the side effects of meprobamate worse.
Dosage Of Meprobamate
Meprobamate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken 2 to 3 times a day in children and 3 to 4 times a day in adults. 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.
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.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to meprobamate.
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.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
