Meprobamate overdose
Definition
Meprobamate is a medicine used to treat anxiety. Meprobamate overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose.
This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with has an overdose, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
Poisonous Ingredient
Meprobamate can be poisonous in large amounts.
Symptoms
The key symptoms of meprobamate poisoning are decreased levels of consciousness, lack of responsiveness, and low blood pressure. Below are symptoms of a meprobamate overdose in different parts of the body.
EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes
STOMACH AND INTESTINES
HEART AND BLOOD
- Low blood pressure
- Pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
- Rapid heart rate
- Slow heart rate
LUNGS
- Labored breathing
- Slowed breathing
- Wheezing
NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Coma (decreased level of consciousness and lack of responsiveness)
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Excitability
- Drowsiness
- Lack of alertness (stupor)
- Slurred speech
- Tremor
- Uncoordinated movement
- Weakness
SKIN
Home Care
Seek medical help right away. Do not make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.
Before Calling Emergency
Have this information ready:
- Person's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the medicine (strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control
Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
Tests that may be done include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Treatment may include:
- Fluids through a vein (by IV)
- Medicine to treat symptoms
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- Breathing support, including tube through the mouth into the lungs and connected to a breathing machine (ventilator)
- Kidney dialysis in severe cases
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well someone does depends on the amount of meprobamate swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The sooner medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery.
With proper care, most people recover. But, recovery may be more difficult in people with aplastic anemia. This is because their bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells.
References
Aronson JK. Carisoprodol. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:158-159.
Overbeek DL, Erickson TB. Sedative-hypnotics. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 154.
Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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