Meprobamate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 4, 2024.

Applies to meprobamate: oral tablet.

Common side effects of meprobamate

Some side effects of meprobamate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• drowsiness

Less common side effects

• blurred vision or change in near or distant vision
• diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• false sense of well-being
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• unusual tiredness or weakness

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• increased dreaming
• muscle twitching
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness or restlessness
• nightmares
• trembling
• trouble in sleeping

Serious side effects of meprobamate

Along with its needed effects, meprobamate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking meprobamate:

Less common side effects

• skin rash, hives, or itching

Rare side effects

• confusion
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• sore throat and fever
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual excitement
• wheezing, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing

Symptoms of overdose

• confusion (severe)
• dizziness or lightheadedness (continuing)
• drowsiness (severe)
• shortness of breath or slow or troubled breathing
• slow heartbeat
• slurred speech
• staggering
• weakness (severe)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to meprobamate: oral tablet.

General adverse events

CNS effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may occur, but these usually resolve as treatment continues; allergic or idiosyncratic reactions have occurred and are generally seen within the first to fourth dose.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, ataxia, dizziness, slurred speech, headache, weakness, paresthesia, overstimulation, fast EEG activity^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions
• Frequency not reported: Itchy, urticarial, or erythematous maculopapular rash, anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, bullous dermatitis, fixed drug eruption with cross reaction to carisoprodol, cross sensitivity between meprobamate/mebutamate and meprobamate/carbromal^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in about 2% of patients. Milder hypersensitivity reactions are characterized by an itchy, urticarial, or erythematous maculopapular rash which may be generalized or localized to the groin. More serious hypersensitivity reactions have included rare reports of anaphylaxis, hypotension and collapse; erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and bullous dermatitis (1 fatal case).^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, bullous dermatitis, angioneurotic edema^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Palpitation, tachycardia, arrhythmias, transient ECG changes, syncope, hypotensive crisis, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, proctitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): thrombocytopenic purpura
• Frequency not reported: Leukopenia, acute nonthrombocytopenic purpura, petechiae, ecchymosis, eosinophilia, adenopathy, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, pancytopenia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Exacerbation of porphyria^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Impaired visual accommodation

Other

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): hyperpyrexia
• Frequency not reported: Vertigo, fever, chills^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Euphoria, paradoxical excitement, withdrawal symptoms^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Oliguria, anuria^[Ref]

Further information

Meprobamate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer