Drug Detail:Meprobamate (Meprobamate [ me-proe-bam-ate ])
Drug Class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety
1200 to 1600 mg orally divided in 3 or 4 doses
Maximum dose: 2400 mg per day
Comments:
- The lowest effective dose should be used in order to limit oversedation.
- The effectiveness beyond 4 months has not been assessed.
Uses: Management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Anxiety
Age: 6 to 12 years:
200 to 600 mg orally divided in 2 or 3 doses
Age: 13 years or older:
1200 to 1600 mg orally divided in 3 or 4 doses
Maximum dose: 2400 mg per day
Comments:
- The lowest effective dose should be used in order to limit oversedation.
- The effectiveness beyond 4 months has not been assessed.
Uses: Management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms
Renal Dose Adjustments
Use with caution
Liver Dose Adjustments
Use with caution
Dose Adjustments
Elderly: Use with cation; dose selection should be cautious starting at the low end of the dosing range.
Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided; reduce dose gradually over a period of 1 to 2 weeks; alternatively, a long-acting barbiturate may be substituted, then gradually withdrawn.
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
US Controlled Substance: Schedule IV
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Take orally 3 to 4 times a day
General:
- Careful supervision of dose and amounts prescribed is necessary since this drug is known to produce physical and psychological dependence.
- Abrupt discontinuation, especially after prolonged use, should be avoided; onset of withdrawal symptoms is usually within 12 to 48 hours and symptoms usually cease within the next 12 to 48 hours.
- Continued need should be regularly reassessed.
Monitoring:
- Monitor for over sedation
- Monitor for abuse
Patient advice:
- Patients should be advised that this drug may impair their ability to perform hazardous tasks including driving.
- Patients should be aware that this drug has been known to be abused producing physical and psychological dependence when used at higher than recommended doses; withdrawal reactions are possible and patients should discuss discontinuation with their healthcare provider.
- Patients should be informed that their tolerance for alcohol and other CNS depressants will be diminished; concurrent use is generally not recommended, but should be discussed with their healthcare provider.
