Drug Database - Trancot

Generic Name: meprobamate (meh-pro-BA-mate)

Brand Names: Trancot®, Equanil®, Miltown®

Classification: Anti-Anxiety

Issue Date: 1984

Trancot affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Trancot is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Trancot may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Trancot.

Do not stop taking Trancot suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Trancot.

Notify your doctor if you develop a fever, a skin rash, or a sore throat.

Take Trancot exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open any of the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Do not stop taking Trancot suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Trancot.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• porphyria
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• epilepsy or another seizure disorder
• history of drug or alcohol abuse

You may not be able to take Trancot, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Trancot may harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Trancot passes into breast milk. Do not take Trancot without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Trancot. You may require a lower dose of this medication or special monitoring during treatment. Trancot is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.

Symptoms of a Trancot overdose include:

• sleepiness
• dizziness
• confusion
• slow heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty walking and talking
• appearance of being drunk
• unconsciousness

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast or irregular heartbeats
• abnormal behavior
• fever
• skin rash
• sore throat

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Trancot and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• drowsiness or dizziness
• headache
• weakness
• vomiting or diarrhea
• numbness or tingling

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Trancot may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including:

• antidepressants
• alcohol
• antihistamines
• sedatives (used to treat insomnia)
• pain relievers
• anxiety medicines
• muscle relaxants

Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Trancot. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.