Meprobamate
Meprobamate is an anxiolytic (antianxiety) and sedative medication historically used to treat anxiety disorders, tension, and insomnia. It also possesses muscle relaxant properties and was once commonly prescribed for conditions involving muscle spasms. Due to safety concerns including dependence risk and toxicity in overdose, it has largely been replaced by newer medications.
Meprobamate is an older anxiolytic medication used for anxiety and tension, with significant safety concerns that have limited its modern use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05BC01
- RxNorm
- 6760
- Generic
- Meprobamate
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Equagesic
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; meprobamate crosses the placenta
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy; consider alternative therapies
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use near term; may cause neonatal sedation and withdrawal
neonatal assessment for withdrawal symptoms and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingcontraindicated
meprobamate is excreted in breast milk; avoid breastfeeding during treatment
not applicable - avoid breastfeeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 50%
use with caution in elderly due to increased sensitivity to CNS effects; start at lowest effective dose
monitor for excessive sedation, confusion, falls, and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not recommended for use in children and adolescents; contraindicated in children under 6 years
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mildreduce dose by 25%
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid or reduce dose by 50-75%
use with extreme caution; consider alternative therapy
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution due to hepatic metabolism; monitor for excessive sedation
monitor liver function tests and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid if possible
avoid in severe hepatic impairment due to significantly reduced metabolism
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action information
Meprobamate was primarily prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, tension headaches, and insomnia. It also served as a muscle relaxant for conditions involving muscle spasms and was sometimes used for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Meprobamate works by modulating GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA neurotransmitter. This results in decreased neuronal excitability, producing anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects.
Meprobamate carries a high risk of physical dependence and tolerance with prolonged use. Overdose can be life-threatening, particularly when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Due to these safety concerns, it is rarely prescribed today and has largely been replaced by benzodiazepines and SSRIs for anxiety treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy