Meprobamate Description

Generic Name : MEPROBAMATE

Pronunciation : (me proe ba' mate)

Trade Name(s) : Equanil, Miltown.

Why it is prescribed: Meprobamate is used to treat anxiety and tenseness.

When it is to be taken: Meprobamate is usually taken two to four times a day. You probably will feel its calming effects within one hour after taking a dose. Take your doses at times that are easy for you to remember.

How it should be taken: Meprobamate comes in the form of tablets and long-acting capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Do not stop taking meprobamate without talking to your doctor; your doctor may want to decrease your dose gradually. Take only the amount prescribed.
2. Meprobamate is habit-forming, and large doses may cause serious reactions. If you accidentally take too much, contact your doctor or a poison control center immediately.
3. Meprobamate makes some patients drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know it affects you.
4. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness caused by meprobamate. Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking this medication.
5. Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Omit it and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Clumsiness, drowsiness. These effects usually go away as you continue taking the medication. If they persist for more than a few days, contact your doctor.
2. Skin rash, unusual bleeding, sore throat, fever, easy bruising. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
3. Difficulty breathing, dizziness, slurred speech, staggering. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Before taking meprobamate, tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or kidney or live problems.
2. Other drugs, especially medications for depression, cough and cold remedies, and sleep aids, should not be taken with meprobamate without consulting your doctor.
3. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding or think that you may be pregnant, inform your doctor.
4. Meprobamate may cause problems in unborn babies, especially if taken in the first three months of pregnancy. It also passes into breast milk.
5. Before taking meprobamate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or tartrazine, a yellow dye present in some processed foods and medications, including certain brands of meprobamate.
6. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.