Meprobamate - oral

Meprobamate helps relieve anxiety. It may also be used to treat muscle spasms and sleeping problems.

Take Meprobamate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Try to take this medicine at the same time each day.

Do not take Meprobamate for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. See your doctor if this medicine does not seem to help you.

If you are taking Meprobamate over a certain period of time, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly as this may worsen your condition. Your doctor will reduce the dose of Meprobamate gradually before stopping it completely.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

If you are taking Meprobamate as a sleeping pill, you may not need to take it everyday. Take it only when you need it. If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled dose.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Alert your doctor if you have:

- severe lung disease
- history of drug abuse or alcoholism
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems) or history of porphyria
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following:

- liver disease
- kidney disease
- epilepsy (seizures or fits) or history of epilepsy
- depression or history of depression
- mood or psychiatric problems
- muscle weakness

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Meprobamate may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: loss of muscle coordination, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and a feeling of "pins and needles".

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience the following:

- unexplained bruising or bleeding
- unusual tiredness
- rashes
- swollen eyes or mouth, breathlessness
- unexplained infection with fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- antidepressants, sedatives or other anxiety medicines
- chlorpromazine (medicine for mood disorder)
- medicines for TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (seizures or fits) e.g. phenytoin
- medicines for to treat fungal infection e.g. griseofulvin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Meprobamate.

Inform your doctor if you are taking birth control pills. This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. You may wish to discuss additional birth control methods with your doctor.

Always notify the doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.