Uses of Meprobamate Psychotropic drugs are used in the

Meprobamate is a white powder with a bitter taste and characteristic odor, which breaks down easily in acetone and alcohol, slightly in water, and sparingly in ether (Physicians Desk Reference, 2001). It is derived from carbamate, a urethane also called ethyl carbamate, which is a chemical compound that is used in medications to treat certain forms of leukemia and bone marrow cancer. Urethane was originally introduced as a sedative but is no longer used for that purpose because of its instability (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2001). Its derivatives however, such as meprobamate, are more stable and have many uses.

Meprobamate is known as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety agent) that is used to relieve nervousness or tension by acting as a depressant on the central nervous system, as well as the thalamus and limbic system (Physicians Desk Reference, 2001; Medline Plus,

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mation when minor tranquilizers are used during the first trimester. Meprobamate passes through the placenta to come into contact with the fetus as well as being present in umbilical cord blood at the same level as in the motherÆs blood stream. For this reason, before drug therapy is started, the possibility that a woman of childbearing age may be pregnant should be considered and tested for. Additionally, any one who thinks that they may become pregnant in the future or who intends to become pregnant in the future should discuss discontinuing the medication with their doctor. Furthermore, women who are breast-feeding their children should not use meprobamate as it appears in breast milk in 2-4 times higher concentrations than in the blood stream of the mother. This causes exceeding drowsiness in newborns. Children under the age of six should not use meprobamate at all (Physicians Desk Reference, 2001). Use by the elderly, those over the age of 65, have a greater chance of experiencing problems because of heart and liver problems, as well as being on multiple medications. For this reason, meprobamate dosage should be regulated carefully and begin with the smallest dosage necessary (Physicians Desk Reference, 2001). If the
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