Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Meprobamate Can Be Tricky — Here's How to Do It

Meprobamate is an older anxiolytic medication that many doctors today are unfamiliar with. Because newer alternatives like Benzodiazepines and Buspirone have largely replaced it, finding a provider who still prescribes Meprobamate takes a bit of extra effort. But it's far from impossible — you just need to know where to look.

This guide walks you through the types of doctors who prescribe Meprobamate, how to find one near you, and what to expect when you get there.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Meprobamate?

Meprobamate is a Schedule IV controlled substance used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. Several types of providers can write a prescription:

• Psychiatrists — These are the most likely specialists to prescribe Meprobamate, especially if you've tried other anxiety medications without success. Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and are comfortable managing older medications.
• Primary care physicians (PCPs) — Family medicine doctors and internists can prescribe Meprobamate. However, many PCPs prefer to start with newer medications first.
• Neurologists — In rare cases, neurologists may prescribe Meprobamate for certain conditions, though this is uncommon in 2026.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants — In most states, NPs and PAs with prescriptive authority can prescribe Schedule IV medications like Meprobamate.

If you're already taking Meprobamate and need a new provider (for example, after a move), a psychiatrist is usually your best bet. They're more likely to continue an existing Meprobamate prescription than a PCP who may want to switch you to something else.

How to Find a Provider Near You

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

Start with your insurance company's online provider directory. Search for psychiatrists or primary care doctors in your network. While the directory won't tell you if they prescribe Meprobamate specifically, it gives you a list of in-network providers to contact.

Call the office before scheduling and ask: "Does the doctor have experience prescribing Meprobamate?" This saves you time and a copay.

2. Try Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Online booking platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for psychiatrists by location and insurance. You can read patient reviews and sometimes message the office directly. Look for providers who mention experience with anxiety disorders or older medications.

3. Ask for a Referral

If your current PCP isn't comfortable prescribing Meprobamate, ask them for a referral to a psychiatrist who might be. Doctor-to-doctor referrals often carry more weight than cold-calling an office.

You can also ask your pharmacist. Pharmacists see prescriptions come through daily and may know which local providers still write for Meprobamate.

4. Consider Telehealth (With a Caveat)

Many psychiatric services are now available via telehealth platforms like Talkiatry, Cerebral, and Done. However, Meprobamate is a Schedule IV controlled substance, and some telehealth providers have restrictions on prescribing controlled substances. Always confirm before signing up that the platform allows Meprobamate prescriptions in your state.

In-person visits remain the most reliable path for controlled substance prescriptions.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Whether you're a new patient or transferring care, here's what to prepare for:

• Medical history review — Your doctor will ask about your anxiety symptoms, how long you've had them, and what treatments you've tried before.
• Medication history — If you're already taking Meprobamate, bring your current prescription bottle or pharmacy records. If you're requesting it for the first time, be prepared to explain why other medications haven't worked.
• Discussion of risks — Meprobamate carries risks of side effects and physical dependence. Your doctor will discuss these with you and may want to try alternatives first.
• Prescription monitoring — Because Meprobamate is a controlled substance, your doctor will likely check your state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) database before prescribing.

Don't be discouraged if a doctor wants to try other options first. This is standard practice, especially for controlled substances. If you've genuinely tried alternatives like Buspirone, Hydroxyzine, or Benzodiazepines without adequate relief, make sure to communicate that clearly.

After You Get Your Prescription

Getting the prescription is only half the battle. Meprobamate can be difficult to find in stock at many pharmacies because few manufacturers still produce it.

Here are some tips once you have your Rx in hand:

• Use Medfinder — Check Medfinder.com to see which pharmacies near you currently have Meprobamate in stock. This can save you hours of calling around.
• Call ahead — Before driving to a pharmacy, call to confirm they have your specific strength (200 mg, 400 mg, or 600 mg tablets) in stock.
• Ask about ordering — If your preferred pharmacy doesn't carry it, ask if they can order it from their wholesaler. Most pharmacies can special-order medications within 1-3 business days.
• Look into savings — Without insurance, Meprobamate can cost $297 to $671 for a 30-day supply. Discount cards from SingleCare or GoodRx can bring generic Meprobamate down to as low as $97. Learn more in our savings guide.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Meprobamate in 2026 requires a bit more legwork than finding one who prescribes common Benzodiazepines. Start with psychiatrists, use your insurance directory, and don't hesitate to ask for referrals. Once you have your prescription, tools like Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy that has it in stock.

The key is being prepared, being honest with your provider about your treatment history, and being patient with the process.