Meprobamate Side Effects: What's Normal and What's Not

Every medication comes with potential side effects, and Meprobamate is no exception. As an older anxiolytic that's been around since the 1950s, Meprobamate has a well-documented side effect profile. Knowing what to expect — and what should send you to the phone — can help you use this medication safely.

This guide covers the common and serious side effects of Meprobamate based on FDA labeling, who may be at higher risk, and practical tips for managing symptoms.

What Is Meprobamate?

Meprobamate is a Schedule IV controlled substance used for the short-term relief of anxiety. It belongs to the carbamate class of drugs and works by depressing activity in the central nervous system. It's available as a generic in 200 mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg tablets. Brand names like Miltown and Equanil have been discontinued.

Because Meprobamate affects the brain and nervous system, many of its side effects are related to sedation and CNS depression. Understanding how it works can help you understand why certain side effects occur.

Common Side Effects

These side effects are relatively typical, especially when you first start taking Meprobamate or after a dose increase. They often improve as your body adjusts:

• Drowsiness — This is the most common side effect. Meprobamate is a CNS depressant, so feeling sleepy or sluggish is expected, particularly in the first few days.
• Dizziness — You may feel lightheaded, especially when standing up quickly.
• Nausea and vomiting — Stomach upset can occur but usually settles within a few days.
• Diarrhea — Some patients experience loose stools.
• Headache — Mild to moderate headaches are reported by some users.
• Vision changes — Blurry vision or difficulty focusing can happen.
• Weakness — General fatigue or feeling weak is common early in treatment.
• Excitement or paradoxical stimulation — In some people, particularly children or the elderly, Meprobamate can cause agitation or restlessness instead of calm.

Most common side effects are mild and temporary. If they persist beyond a week or two, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose.

Serious Side Effects — When to Call Your Doctor

Some side effects require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• Severe allergic reaction — Rash, hives, skin blistering, or peeling. Meprobamate can cause serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and exfoliative dermatitis.
• Angioedema — Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This can affect breathing and is a medical emergency.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — Any respiratory distress should be treated as urgent.
• Fever, sore throat, or chills — These may be signs of blood dyscrasias (abnormal blood cell counts), including agranulocytosis or aplastic anemia.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding — Another sign of potential blood cell problems.
• Pounding or irregular heartbeat — Heart rhythm changes need medical evaluation.
• Severe loss of coordination — While mild unsteadiness can be a common side effect, significant loss of motor control is concerning.
• Seizures — This is most likely to occur if you stop Meprobamate suddenly after prolonged use. Never stop this medication abruptly without medical guidance.

Important: Meprobamate can cause physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms — including anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures — can be severe. Always taper off under your doctor's supervision.

Side Effects in Specific Populations

Elderly Patients

Meprobamate is listed on the Beers Criteria as a medication to avoid in older adults. The elderly are at higher risk for:

• Excessive sedation and confusion
• Falls and fractures due to dizziness and impaired coordination
• Paradoxical agitation

If you're over 65, your doctor should carefully weigh the risks before prescribing Meprobamate.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Meprobamate may harm a developing fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy. It is also excreted in breast milk at concentrations 2 to 4 times higher than in the blood, making it unsafe for breastfeeding mothers.

People with Kidney or Liver Problems

Meprobamate is processed by the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. If either organ isn't working well, the drug can build up in your system and increase the risk of side effects. Dose adjustments may be necessary.

How to Manage Common Side Effects

Here are some practical tips for dealing with the most frequent side effects:

• Drowsiness: Take your largest dose at bedtime. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Meprobamate affects you.
• Dizziness: Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions. Stay hydrated.
• Nausea: Take Meprobamate with a small snack. Avoid spicy or greasy foods around dosing time.
• Headache: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen are generally safe to use, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Absolutely avoid alcohol while taking Meprobamate. Alcohol significantly increases CNS depression and can be dangerous — even life-threatening. Learn more about Meprobamate drug interactions.

Final Thoughts

Meprobamate's side effects are manageable for most people, but they require awareness. The common ones — drowsiness, dizziness, nausea — tend to fade with time. The serious ones — allergic reactions, blood disorders, withdrawal seizures — are rare but demand immediate medical attention.

Talk to your doctor before starting or stopping Meprobamate, and report any unusual symptoms promptly. If you're looking for Meprobamate at a good price, check our savings guide or use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy with it in stock.