Meprobamate Abuse and Addiction

Meprobamate (brand name Miltown, Equanil and Meprospan) is a an anti-anxiety drug that was once the best-selling minor tranquilizer in the United States.  It has largely been replaced by benzodiazepines such as Valium, Librium, and Xanax.

Meprobamate is a Schedule IV drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

Symptoms of Meprobamate overdose include drowsiness, unresponsiveness, loss of muscle control, severe impairment or cessation of breathing, coma, and shock.

Death has been reported with ingestion of as little as 12 grams of Meprobamate.

Prolonged use of Meprobamate can lead to physical dependence and has a life-threatening abstinence syndrome similar to alcohol and barbiturates.  Sudden abstinence from Meprobamate can lead to severe reactions including insomnia, vomiting, tremor, muscle twitching and overt anxiety in the first 3 to 4 days.

Acute psychotic reactions and hallucinations resembling delirium tremens have been noticed in severe cases of Mebrobamate abuse.

Medically supervised detoxification (detox) followed by psychosocial treatment is highly recommended in cases of long-term Mebprobamate abuse and dependence.

If you have additional questions, or if you would like us to provide you with a no-cost, no-commitment, confidential consultation, please contact one of our treatment specialists.