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What are meprobamate tablets?

MEPROBAMATE (Equanil®, Miltown®, Trancot®) has a sedative action that can cause relaxation and help reduce tension or anxiety. It is recommended for short-term use only. Meprobamate is sometimes used as a sedative before surgical procedures. Federal law prohibits the transfer of meprobamate to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic meprobamate tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• frequently drink alcoholic beverages
• attempted suicide
• drug abuse
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• porphyria
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to meprobamate, carisoprodol, felbamate, mebutamate, carbromal, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take meprobamate by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Tablets or capsules may be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it if you remember within 1 hour. If you remember after more than 1 hour, skip the missed dose and resume your schedule at the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with meprobamate?

• alcohol
• dietary supplements for relaxation or sleep, like kava kava, melatonin, or valerian
• medicines for allergies, hay fever, colds or flu-like symptoms
• medicines for mood problems like anxiety, depression, or severe mental disturbances
• pain medications
• seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking meprobamate?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you have been taking meprobamate regularly for a few weeks and suddenly stop taking it, you may get unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your prescriber or health care professional may want to gradually reduce the dose. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

After taking meprobamate you may get a residual hangover effect that leaves you drowsy or dizzy. Until you know how meprobamate affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase possible unpleasant effects. Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this drug.

Many medications can cause additive drowsiness or dizziness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any non-prescription medications with meprobamate.

If you are going to have surgery or other procedures, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking meprobamate.

What side effects may I notice from taking meprobamate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• confusion
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• fever, chills, or sore throat
• hallucinations
• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• fainting spells
• numbness, tingling in the hands or feet
• skin rash and itching (hives)
• slurred speech
• staggering, unable to coordinate movement
• swelling of the feet and ankles
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• blurred vision
• diarrhea
• drowsiness or dizziness, lightheadedness, "hangover effect"
• false sense of well being
• headache
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.