Equanil

Equanil is a brand name for meprobamate, a sedating anxiolytic drug that was widely prescribed in the mid-20th century. It was marketed to treat anxiety, tension, and other nervous conditions, and was commonly used for short-term relief of anxiety and related symptoms before the rise of benzodiazepines.

Meprobamate is believed to exert its effects by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain, producing anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle-relaxant effects. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but its action on inhibitory pathways in the central nervous system underlies its calming properties.

The medication is taken orally, typically in tablet form. Onset of action is within a short time after ingestion, and the duration of effect can vary with dose and individual factors. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the urine. The pharmacokinetic profile means that there is potential for accumulation in certain patients, especially with repeated dosing or impaired clearance.

Common adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, headache, and gastrointestinal upset. Because of its sedative properties, it can impair driving and other activities requiring alertness. Tolerance and physical dependence can develop with prolonged use, and withdrawal may include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures. It can interact with alcohol and other central nervous system depressants, increasing the risk of serious sedation or respiratory depression.

Regulatory status varies by country, but in many jurisdictions meprobamate is a controlled substance (often Schedule IV in the United States) because of abuse and dependence potential. Its use has declined with the availability of benzodiazepines and other modern anxiolytics. Some regions continue to permit limited use under strict medical supervision.