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Overview: Meprobamate is used to treat anxiety. It works by slowing down different areas of the brain and nerve activities to produce a calming effect. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, or trouble with balance or coordination. Meprobamate is a controlled substance and can be misused or lead to dependence. Before using meprobamate, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or any medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is meprobamate used for?

Meprobamate is commonly used to treat anxiety.

Meprobamate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does meprobamate work (mechanism of action)?

Meprobamate works by slowing down different areas of the brain and nerve activities to help produce a calming effect. 

How is meprobamate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bamate
  • Equanil
  • Meprospan
  • Miltown
  • Neuramate
  • Tranmep

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 200 mg oral tablets
  • 400 mg oral tablets

How should I store meprobamate?

Meprobamate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of meprobamate?

The most common side effects of meprobamate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness 
  • Dizziness or trouble with balance or coordination
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Fainting or weakness 
  • Feeling of pins or needles under the skin
  • Vision problems 

There may be other side effects of meprobamate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of meprobamate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of meprobamate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Meprobamate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking meprobamate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing meprobamate can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take meprobamate  exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that meprobamate is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
  • Feeling paranoid
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing

Brain or Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects. Meprobamate can affect your brain or central nervous system (CNS). Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms.

  • Sleepiness
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Feelings of excitement or overstimulation
  • Feeling intense pleasure, well-being, or happiness, also called euphoria
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Meprobamate may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior 

 

Heart Effects. Meprobamate may increase your risk of certain effects on the heart, such as raising your heart rate (tachycardia), lowering blood pressure, or causing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Blood Disorders. Meprobamate can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop using meprobamate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Severe Skin Reactions. Meprobamate can cause rashes and other skin reactions, including a severe skin reaction, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop meprobamate and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use meprobamate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take meprobamate.

  • Meprobamate
  • Bamate
  • Equanil
  • Meprospan
  • Miltown
  • Neuramate
  • Tranmep
  • Carisoprodol
  • Mebutamate
  • Tybamate
  • Carbromal
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific meprobamate products they stock.

Porphyria. Meprobamate should not be used if you have porphyria, which is a group of inherited disorders caused by an abnormality in one of the steps your body uses to make heme (a protein in your red blood cells). Meprobamate can make this condition worse.

What should I know about meprobamate before using it?

Do not take meprobamate unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share meprobamate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep meprobamate out of the reach of children. Meprobamate is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store meprobamate in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Meprobamate can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how meprobamate affects you.

People who are 65 and older or are very weak from illness can be at greater risk for some side effects from meprobamate. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in one of these groups.

Meprobamate can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine. If you stop meprobamate suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking meprobamate without talking with your health care provider. Your health care provider can tell you how to stop meprobamate to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Unusual movements, responses, or expressions
  • Seizures
  • Sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
  • An extreme increase in activity or talking
  • Losing touch with reality

What should I tell my health care provider before using meprobamate?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if meprobamate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Seizures
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Substance use disorder
  • Have attempted suicide or thoughts about suicide 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Meprobamate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking meprobamate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details

Pregnancy. Meprobamate may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking meprobamate, contact your health care provider right away. 

Breastfeeding. Meprobamate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take meprobamate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does meprobamate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between meprobamate and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while taking meprobamate. The risk of drowsiness and dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking meprobamate.

Does meprobamate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking meprobamate.

  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression 
  • A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
  • A stimulant, such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, or lisdexamfetamine, which is a medicine commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or muscle relaxants

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with meprobamate. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much meprobamate?

If you or someone else has used too much meprobamate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of meprobamate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.