Equanil

Equanil Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

A carbamate with hypnotic, sedative, and some muscle relaxant properties, although in therapeutic doses reduction of anxiety rather than a direct effect may be responsible for muscle relaxation. Equanil has been reported to have anticonvulsant actions against petit mal seizures, but not against grand mal seizures (which may be exacerbated). It is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and also for the short-term management of insomnia but has largely been superseded by the benzodiazepines. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p603) Equanil is a controlled substance in the U.S.

Equanil is an anxiolytic drug. It was the best selling minor tranquilizer for a time but has largely been replaced by benzodiazepines. Equanil has most of the pharmacological effects and dangers of the barbiturates (though it was marketed as being safer) but it is less sedating at effective doses. Equanil exhibits some anticonvulsant effects in absence seizures; however, it is reported to potentially exacerbate generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It has also been used as a hypnotic (sleeping pill). However, its is currently only licensed as an anxiolytic and it is a third or fourth-order choice.

Equanil
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Equanil
Availability	Prescription only
Generic	Meprobamate
Meprobamate Other Names	Meprobamat, Meprobamate, Meprobamato, Meprobamatum, Meprobamic acid
Related Drugs	escitalopram, alprazolam, duloxetine, Lexapro, Xanax, Cymbalta
Weight	200mg, 400mg,
Type	Oral tablet
Formula	C₉H₁₈N₂O₄
Weight	Average: 218.2502 Monoisotopic: 218.126657074
Groups	Approved, Illicit
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country	United States,
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Equanil is an anxiolytic drug used for the short-term management of anxiety symptoms.

For the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.

Equanil is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Anxiety Disorders

How Equanil works

Equanil's mechanism of action is not fully understood; in animal studies, meprobamate is reported to act at multiple sites in the central nervous system, such as the thalamus and limbic system. It binds to the GABA_A receptors, leading to inhibitory effects on the neurons transmitting signals in the reticular formation and spinal cord. Consequently, effects such as sedation and altered perception of pain are observed.

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include coma, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, severely impaired breathing, shock, sluggishness, and unresponsiveness. There have been a case of death resulting from oral ingestion of 12 g of meprobamate. One case study reports the consumption of 40 g of meprobamate resulting in successful survival.

Food Interaction

Avoid alcohol.
Take with or without food. Food does not significantly affect absorption.

[Moderate] GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents.

Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and
MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol.

Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.