Meprobamate

About Meprobamate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anxiolytics.

Meprobamate is used as short term treatment for anxiety (worry) and as a muscle relaxant.

Meprobamate is available in tablet form.

Before taking Meprobamate

Before taking meprobamate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or respiratory (breathing) problems
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you suffer from muscle weakness, epilepsy or depression
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take Meprobamate

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take meprobamate exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of meprobamate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside meprobamate.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose that you are taking.
• Meprobamate can cause drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness and problems with eyesight. Make sure you know how you react to meprobamate before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Alcohol increases drowsiness. Try to avoid alcohol while you are being treated with meprobamate. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Do not stop taking meprobamate without speaking with your doctor first. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose that you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.

Can Meprobamate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Drowsiness, light-headedness, confusion, shakiness, mood changes, headache, dizziness, mouth problems, diarrhoea, constipation, tummy ache, problems with eyesight, problems with speech, sexual problems, problems urinating (passing water), pins and needles, weakness or skin rashes.

If you experience any other symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Meprobamate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or contact your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/05/2003