Mb-Tab

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain meprobamate. It may not be specific to Mb-Tab. Please read with care.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For regular (short-acting) tablets:
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 400 milligrams three or four times a day, or 600 milligrams two times a day.
  • Children 6 to 12 years of age: 100 to 200 milligrams two or three times a day.
  • Children up to 6 years of age: Dose must be determined by the doctor.
• For long-acting dosage forms (extended-release tablets):
  • Adults and children 12 years of age or older: 400 to 800 milligrams two times a day, in the morning and at bedtime.
  • Children 6 to 12 years of age: 200 milligrams two times a day, in the morning and at bedtime.
  • Children up to 6 years of age: Dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

If you will be taking this medicine regularly for a long time:

• Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.
• Check with your doctor at least every 4 months to make sure you need to continue taking this medicine.

If you will be taking this medicine in large doses or for a long time, do not stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests, such as the metyrapone test and the phentolamine test, may be affected by this medicine.

If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of meprobamate or taking alcohol or other CNS depressants with meprobamate may lead to unconsciousness and possibly death. Some signs of an overdose are severe confusion, drowsiness, or weakness; shortness of breath or slow or troubled breathing; slurred speech; staggering; and slow heartbeat.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Even if taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert .

Meprobamate may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:

• Skin rash, hives, or itching

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

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

Some side effects 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:

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• drowsiness

• 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

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use with caution