Meprobamate Information: Addiction, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Overdosage
A drug that goes by the generic name of meprobamate is one of the medications that are usually prescribed for the relief of anxiety and tension or to promote sleep in tense or anxious patients. It is sold under several brand names, including Mepriam, Equanil, Miltown, Meprospan, Sedabamate, Seronil, Tranmep, and SK-Bamate.
Used as an anticonvulsant, antianxiety agent, or as a sedative, meprobamate exerts effects by relaxing the large skeletal muscles and by a direct effect on the brain. As such, the drug can relax the user and make him either more tranquil or sleepier, depending on how much of the drug is used.
Some of the drug's possible side effects include drowsiness, slurred speech, headache, tingling in the arms and legs, euphoria, and overstimulation.
If taken for long periods of time, meprobamate can be abused and the user can become heavily addicted to it. It is also possible to develop withdrawal symptoms if a patient discontinues the therapy abruptly. Severe physical and psychological dependence has been experienced by those who take the drug for long periods of time.
It has been noted that meprobamate can produce chronic intoxication after prolonged use or if used in doses greater than what has been prescribed. Such cases can lead to certain adverse effects, including slurred speech, dizziness, and general sleepiness or depression.
Withdrawal symptoms:
Sudden discontinuance of this drug after prolonged and excessive use may result in drug withdrawal symptoms, including these nine:
* severe anxiety
* loss of appetite
* sleeplessness
* vomiting
* tremors
* muscle twitching
* confusion
* hallucinations
* convulsions.
These withdrawal symptoms usually occur about 24 hours after the drug has been stopped and may last up to 3 days. For those who have taken meprobamate in excessive quantities for months or longer, gradual reduction of the drug over a period of 2 weeks should be done so as to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.
Overdosage:
Cases of accidental overdose and attempted suicide using meprobamate have been recorded. In such an event, the following six symptoms can occur:
* extreme drowsiness
* lethargy
* stupor
* shock
* coma
* breathing stoppage.
After a large overdose, the victim will go to sleep very quickly; his breathing, pulse and blood pressure levels will be greatly reduced. The overdose is much worse if there is interaction with another depressant or with a large quantity of alcohol.
A victim of meprobamate overdose should be taken to a hospital emergency room at once. There, his stomach will be pumped and he will be given respiratory assistance and other supportive therapy.