Meprobamate
Pronunciation: (meh-PROE-ba-mate).
- Generic name
- Meprobamate
- Brand names
- Meprogen, Miltown, Meprobamate, Trancopal, Equanil
- Drug class
- Anxiolytic (Carbamate derivative) — Schedule IV controlled substance (US)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Meprobamate is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Meprobamate works
Meprobamate acts as a central nervous system depressant by binding to GABA-A receptors, enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This leads to neuronal hyperpolarization, reduced neuronal excitability, and anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects. (1)
What Meprobamate is used for
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders (2)
Short-term relief of anxiety symptoms
Short-term relief of anxiety symptoms (2)
Insomnia (associated with anxiety)
Insomnia (associated with anxiety) (2)
Before taking Meprobamate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to meprobamate or related carbamates, acute intermittent porphyria, and those with a history of substance abuse. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Meprobamate
- General Instructions: Take meprobamate exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less than directed, and do not use it for longer than recommended.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose is 400 mg to 800 mg orally, 2 to 3 times daily. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 2.4 grams.. Pediatric Dosing: Not routinely recommended for children under 6 years. For children 6–12 years, dosing is individualized and should be determined by a pediatric specialist.. Administration: Take with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.. When To Stop: Do not abruptly stop taking meprobamate without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Your doctor will guide you on how to taper the dose if needed.. Storage: Store at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
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 resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or shock. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if overdose is suspected. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Drowsiness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Ataxia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Rash
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Paradoxical excitement
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Blood dyscrasias
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Meprobamate is a Schedule IV controlled substance (US) because of its potential for abuse and physical dependence — added detail not present in an earlier draft of this record — serious
Symptoms: Meprobamate is a Schedule IV controlled substance (US) because of its potential for abuse and physical dependence — added detail not present in an earlier draft of this record. It can be habit-forming; use only as directed. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use may cause withdrawal symptoms including vomiting, ataxia, tremors, muscle twitching, confusional states, hallucinosis, and rarely convulsive seizures; a clinician typically reduces the dose gradually over one to two weeks rather than stopping abruptly. Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of sedation and falls. May worsen depression or suicidal thoughts in some individuals.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Pregnancy risk (ADDED — a specific signal, not just a general caution) — serious
Symptoms: Pregnancy risk (ADDED — a specific signal, not just a general caution): first-trimester use has been associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations. Anyone who is or may become pregnant should discuss this specifically with the prescribing clinician before starting or continuing meprobamate.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reactions to meprobamate or related carbamate compounds (including carisoprodol, mebutamate, tybamate, or carbromal), acute intermittent porphyria, and those with a history of substance abuse. Use caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, elderly, or those with depression or suicidal ideation.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Meprobamate may interact with other central nervous system depressants (such as benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates), alcohol, and certain antidepressants, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
First-trimester use has been associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations. Before starting meprobamate, the prescriber considers whether a woman of childbearing potential may be pregnant. No specific FDA pregnancy category is stated on the label reviewed for this record — discuss any pregnancy or plan to become pregnant with the prescribing clinician. (2)
Breastfeeding
Meprobamate passes into umbilical cord blood at levels at or near maternal plasma levels, and into breast milk at concentrations two to four times maternal plasma levels — a notably high transfer ratio. This is a decision to make with the clinician managing your or your baby's care. (2)
Children
RECONCILED — an earlier draft of this record contained two different pediatric statements from the same clinician-database source: this field said safety is not established and use is not recommended in children generally, while the administration section said the drug is not routinely recommended under age 6 but may be individually dosed by a pediatric specialist for ages 6-12. Both are retained together as the accurate picture: meprobamate is not recommended for routine pediatric use at any age, and any pediatric use — only ever considered for ages 6-12 — would be individualized and supervised by a pediatric specialist, not a general recommendation. Frequency/weight-based/max-dose figures: not established for routine use. (2)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label and independent monograph reviewed for this record confirm general caution — 'use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function' and 'use with caution in patients with impaired renal function' — but neither provides a graded, dose-specific adjustment schedule. Elderly patients, who more often have reduced hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, should generally start at the low end of the dosing range. Because meprobamate is substantially cleared through the kidneys, patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment need individualized dosing and closer monitoring from their prescriber. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label and independent monograph reviewed for this record confirm general caution — 'use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function' and 'use with caution in patients with impaired renal function' — but neither provides a graded, dose-specific adjustment schedule. Elderly patients, who more often have reduced hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, should generally start at the low end of the dosing range. Because meprobamate is substantially cleared through the kidneys, patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment need individualized dosing and closer monitoring from their prescriber. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) in a well-closed container with a child-resistant closure, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Anxiety disorders
Dose summary: RECONCILED — an earlier draft of this record gave two different adult dosing ranges from the same clinician-database source (this field said 400-1200 mg/day, while the administration section said 400-800 mg 2-3 times daily up to a 2.4 g/day maximum). The administration section's figures are used as the authoritative range here since they are internally consistent (2-3 doses of 400-800 mg spans 800-2,400 mg/day): typically 400-800 mg orally 2-3 times daily, not to exceed 2.4 g/day in divided doses.
Renal context: No graded, dose-specific renal-impairment adjustment schedule is provided in the FDA label; it states only general caution ('use with caution in patients with impaired renal function'). Because meprobamate is substantially renally cleared, patients with significant renal impairment need individualized, lower starting doses and closer monitoring rather than a fixed adjustment. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
No graded, dose-specific hepatic-impairment adjustment schedule is provided in the FDA label; it states only general caution ('use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function'). Individualized, lower starting doses and closer monitoring are appropriate for patients with significant hepatic impairment.
Frequently asked questions
What is meprobamate used for?
Meprobamate is primarily used to relieve short-term anxiety, tension, and muscle spasms. It is not intended for long-term treatment of anxiety disorders.
Is meprobamate addictive?
Yes, meprobamate has the potential for abuse and dependence, especially with prolonged use or higher doses. It should be used only as prescribed and never shared with others.
Can I drink alcohol while taking meprobamate?
No, you should avoid alcohol while taking meprobamate, as it can increase the risk of dangerous side effects such as severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and impaired judgment.
What should I do if I experience withdrawal symptoms?
If you experience symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, insomnia, or seizures after stopping meprobamate, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop the medication abruptly without medical supervision.
Is meprobamate safe during pregnancy?
Meprobamate is not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. It may cause harm to the unborn baby. Always consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
How long does it take for meprobamate to work?
Meprobamate usually begins to relieve anxiety within 1 to 2 hours after taking a dose. The full effect may be seen with regular use as prescribed.
Can children take meprobamate?
Meprobamate is not routinely recommended for children under 6 years. For children 6–12 years, it should only be used under specialist supervision and with careful dosing.
What happens if I take too much Meprobamate?
Taking too much Meprobamate can lead to severe central nervous system depression, characterized by extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, low blood pressure, and coma. In such cases, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Overdose can be life-threatening and requires prompt professional intervention.
What is the mechanism of action of Meprobamate?
Meprobamate acts as a central nervous system depressant by binding to GABA-A receptors, enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This leads to neuronal hyperpolarization, reduced neuronal excitability, and anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects. (1)
What is the generic name of Meprobamate?
The generic name is Meprobamate. It is sold under brand names including Meprogen, Miltown, Meprobamate, Trancopal, Equanil.
What class of drug is Meprobamate?
Meprobamate is classed as: Anxiolytic (Carbamate derivative) — Schedule IV controlled substance (US).
References
- Meprobamate — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Meprobamate tablet, USP — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2025 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- MEPROBAMATE TABLET [CIPLA USA INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Meprobamate — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Meprobamate — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA040797)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Meprobamate — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 6760)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Meprobamate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.