MEPROBAMATE

tranquilizing drug taken orally primarily to treat anxiety and tension. Meprobamate also has been effective for relief of insomnia, muscular spasms, and dermatological conditions and gastrointestinal disturbances arising from anxiety and tension. Because of its anticonvulsant action, it sometimes is helpful in treating petit mal and related minor epilepsies. A central-nervous-system depressant, meprobamate acts selectively upon the spinal cord and the higher centres in the brain. The drug is absorbed readily from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed rapidly. Physical dependence may be produced after utilization of high doses for prolonged periods. Possible side effects include drowsiness, lethargy, and unsteadiness of stance and gait. Meprobamate was introduced in the mid-1950s and was first marketed as Miltown, a trade name derived from the name of the village, Milltown, N.J., in which the drug was developed.