Meprobamate Is a Prescription Anxiolytic Used for Short-Term Relief of Anxiety Symptoms

Meprobamate is a carbamate-derivative medication prescribed for the short-term management of anxiety disorders. It works by depressing activity in the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. While it was once one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, it's now considered an older option — but it remains an important treatment for some patients.

Here's everything you need to know about Meprobamate in 2026, including what it's used for, how to take it, who should avoid it, and how much it costs.

What Is Meprobamate?

Meprobamate is a generic medication that was originally sold under the brand names Miltown (Wallace Laboratories) and Equanil (Wyeth). Both brand versions have been discontinued, and only generic Meprobamate is available today.

Key facts:

• Drug class: Carbamate derivative / anxiolytic (tranquilizer)
• DEA schedule: Schedule IV controlled substance
• Available forms: Oral tablets in 200 mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg strengths
• FDA-approved for: Anxiety disorders and short-term relief of anxiety symptoms
• Generic available: Yes (brand names discontinued)

Meprobamate was one of the first medications marketed specifically as an anti-anxiety drug when it launched in 1955. It became a cultural phenomenon — "Miltown" was essentially the Xanax of its era. Today, it's been largely replaced by Benzodiazepines and other newer anxiolytics, but it still has a role for certain patients.

What Is Meprobamate Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Anxiety disorders — Meprobamate is approved for treating anxiety, particularly when the symptoms are significant enough to require medication.
• Short-term anxiety relief — It's intended for short-term use (weeks rather than months) to manage acute anxiety symptoms.

Other Uses

While not FDA-approved for these purposes, Meprobamate has been used in some clinical settings for:

• Procedural sedation (400 mg before minor procedures)
• Muscle relaxation — Meprobamate is actually a metabolite of Carisoprodol (Soma), a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant
• Insomnia (historically, though not a current recommendation)

If your doctor prescribes Meprobamate, it's important to understand how it works in your body and what side effects to watch for.

How Is Meprobamate Taken?

Meprobamate is taken by mouth, typically 2 to 4 times daily. Here's what you need to know about dosing:

• Adults: The usual dose is 1,200 to 1,600 mg per day, divided into 3 or 4 doses. The maximum daily dose is 2,400 mg.
• Children ages 6-12: 200 to 600 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses.
• Children under 6: Not recommended.

Additional dosing guidelines:

• Meprobamate can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole.
• Do not stop Meprobamate abruptly after taking it for more than a few weeks. Physical dependence can develop, and sudden discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms including seizures. Your doctor should taper your dose gradually.

Who Should Not Take Meprobamate?

Meprobamate is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• A known allergy to Meprobamate or Carisoprodol
• Acute intermittent porphyria
• A history of severe allergic reaction to carbamate drugs

Use with caution if you have:

• Kidney or liver problems (dose adjustment may be needed)
• A history of substance use disorder (Meprobamate can be habit-forming)
• Depression or suicidal thoughts (CNS depressants can worsen these)

Meprobamate is not recommended for:

• Elderly patients — Listed on the Beers Criteria due to increased risk of falls, sedation, and confusion
• Pregnant women — May harm the developing fetus
• Breastfeeding mothers — Excreted in breast milk at 2-4 times plasma concentration

Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you're taking, as Meprobamate has significant drug interactions, especially with alcohol, Opioids, and Benzodiazepines.

How Much Does Meprobamate Cost?

Meprobamate pricing can vary significantly:

• Retail price (without insurance): $297 to $671 for a typical 30-day supply
• With discount coupons: As low as ~$97 with SingleCare or ~$158 with GoodRx for generic 400 mg tablets
• Insurance coverage: Varies widely. Many plans do not cover Meprobamate or require prior authorization, often requiring patients to try Benzodiazepines or Buspirone first.

There is no manufacturer savings program since the brand names have been discontinued. However, discount cards and patient assistance programs can help. Check our detailed guide to saving money on Meprobamate.

Finding Meprobamate in stock can also be a challenge. Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it available.

Final Thoughts

Meprobamate is an established anxiety medication with decades of clinical use behind it. While it's no longer a first-line treatment, it remains a viable option for patients who haven't responded well to newer alternatives. If you're taking Meprobamate or considering it, work closely with your doctor, understand the risks of dependence, and use tools like Medfinder to find it at the best price near you.