The Basics
What is Meprobamate?
Used to treat anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
Brand names for Meprobamate
Meprobamate
How Meprobamate is classified
Anti-Anxiety Agents, Hypnotics and Sedatives, Muscle Relaxants (Central)
Meprobamate During Pregnancy
Meprobamate pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Meprobamate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Meprobamate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Meprobamate?
If meprobamate is required by the mother, it is not necessarily a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, because there is little published experience with meprobamate during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant, or when other drugs that can cause sedation are used simultaneously.
Maternal / infant drug levels
If meprobamate is required by the mother, it is not necessarily a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, because there is little published experience with meprobamate during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant, or when other drugs that can cause sedation are used simultaneously.
Possible effects of Meprobamate on milk supply
One paper reported that some psychiatric patients receiving meprobamate alone or in combination with other psychotropic drugs developed galactorrhea. Further details of meprobamate use were not reported.[4]
Possible alternatives to Meprobamate
Lorazepam, Oxazepam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Ayd FJ. Excretion of psychotropic drugs in human breast milk. Int Drug Ther Newsl. 1973;8:33-40.
2. Nordeng H, Zahlsen K, Spigset O. Transfer of carisoprodol to breast milk. Ther Drug Monit. 2001;23:298-300. PMID: 11360042
3. Bailey DN, Briggs JR. Carisoprodol: an unrecognized drug of abuse. Am J Clin Pathol. 2002;117:396-400. PMID: 11888078
4. Hooper JH Jr, Welch VC, Shackelford RT. Abnormal lactation associated with tranquilizing drug therapy. JAMA. 1961;178:506-7. PMID: 14448766
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
