Guidelines for Using Meprobamate and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Agent to relieve nervousness and tension.

How the Meprobamate Product Works:

Meprobamate works in the brain to relieve anxiety and tension.

Uses of The Meprobamate:

To provide short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.

To manage anxiety disorders.

Anxiety or tension associated with stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an antianxiety agent.

Precautions:

Drug dependence: Physical and psychological dependence and abuse may occur. Symptoms of chronic intoxication from prolonged use of greater than recommended doses include incoordination, clumsiness, slurred speech, and veritgo (feeling of whirling motion). Avoid prolonged use. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged and excessive use may cause a withdrawal syndrome characterized by anxiety, appetite loss, sleepless­ness, vomiting, incoordination or clumsiness, tremors, muscle twitching, confusional states, hallucinations, and seizures. Onset of withdrawal symptoms usually begins within 12 to 48 hours after discontinuation of meprobamate and symptoms usually cease within the next 12 to 48 hours.

When excessive dosage has continued for weeks or months the dose should be reduced gradually over a period of 1 or 2 weeks rather than stopping abruptly. Alternatively, a short-acting barbiturate may be substituted, then gradually withdrawn.

Pregnancy: Studies have shown a potential effect to the fetus. Meprobamate passes the placental barrier and an increased risk of birth defects is associated with its use during the first trimester. Use during pregnancy should almost always be avoided. Use with extreme caution. Use only if clearly needed And potentlnl benefits to the mother out weight the possible hazard to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Meprobamate appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Do not use in children younger than 6 years of age.

Elderly: To avoid oversedation, use lowest effective dose.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with meprobamate. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with meprobamate.

• Alcohol barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital)

• Narcotic pain relievers (eg, codeine)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many meprobamate users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Allergic Reactions: Mild - Rash (over the whole body or only the groin 'area); abnormal blood counts; purplish or brownish-red discoloration of the skin (either small pin-like or large bruise-like coloring); swelling; swollen glands; fever.

Severe Rare- Fever; chills; fluid retention associated with discoloration and rash; difficulty breathing; decreased or lack of urination; skin inflammation; inflammation of the mouth and rectum.

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea.

Nervous System: Drowsiness; dizziness; feeling of whirling motion; incoordination; headache; weakness; overstimulation; exaggerated sense of well being; paradoxical excitement.

Circulatory System: Fast or irregular heartbeat; pounding in chest; low blood pressure; fainting; abnormal heart rhythm.

Skin: Abnormal skin sensations (burning, prickling, tingling); itching.

Other: Slurred speech; fever; impaired vision or vision changes; shortness of breath.

Guidelines for Use:

• Usual adult dosage is 1200 mg to 1600 mg/day in 3 or 4 divided doses.oses greater than 2400 mg/day are not recommended. Usual dosage for children 6 to 12 years of age is 100 mg to 200 mg 2 to 3 times daily.

• Do not crush or chew tablets due to bitter taste.

• Physical and psychological dependence and abuse may occur.

• Do not suddenly stop taking this drug after long-term use. Consult your doctor.

• Long-term effectiveness (more than 4 months) of meprobamate has not been established. Your doctor will periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug.

• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Use exactly as pre­scribed.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.

• Discontinue use and notify your doctor immediately at first appearance of fever, sore throat, rash, or other signs of allergic reaction. In some instances, rash may be accompanied by more severe allergic reactions (see Side Effects). You may need to begin appropiate symptomatic therapy (eg, epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids), which will be prescribed or administered by your doctor.

• Avoid alcohol and other mental depressants (eg, narcotics, tranquilizers, antihistamines) while taking this medicine.

• Store at controlled room temperature (68 to 77°F). Keep tightly closed.