Miltown
Miltown Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Miltown is a brand name. Its generic name is Meprobamate.
Introduction
Miltown is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant drug used to treat anxiety and tension. It is a nonbarbiturate sedative-hypnotic drug misused for recreational purposes. It has been used as a stand-alone product, in combination with other medications and as an inactive ingredient in certain combination products.
Uses
Miltown is used to treat symptoms of anxiety such as tension, irritability, restlessness, dizziness, and fear. It may also be used to help people with certain sleep disorders. Miltown works by slowing down nerve activities in the brain, allowing people to relax and feel less anxious. This drug can also be used as a muscle relaxant, pain reliever, or to reduce certain periods of epilepsy.
Mechanism of Action
Miltown acts on the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor to produce its CNS effects. It binds to the GABA receptor and increases the sensitivity of the receptor to the GABA neurotransmitter. This results in an increased level of inhibition in the brain, which leads to its sedative and anxiolytic effects. Additionally, meprobamate has some anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Miltown will begin to take effect within 1 to 2 hours after administration. Maximum effects are usually achieved within 2 to 4 hours and can last up to 6 hours. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and to not increase the dose, as this may result in serious side effects.
Absorption
Miltown is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of the drug is 89-100%. Peak plasma levels of the medication usually occur within 1 to 2 hours after administration.
Route of Elimination
Miltown is mostly excreted unchanged in the urine, with a small portion being metabolized. The elimination half-life of the drug is 22-44 hours.
Dosage
The dosage information of meprobamate is as follows:
- For adults (21 to 64 years of age): The starting dose is 400 to 800 milligrams, taken three or four times daily.
- For adolescents (15 to 20 years of age): The starting dose is 200 to 400 milligrams taken three or four times daily.
- For children (7 to 14 years of age): The starting dose is 200 milligrams taken three or four times daily.
It is important to note that the dosage will vary from person to person. It is best to consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate dose for you.
Administration
Miltown is available in tablet and liquid form. Ideally, it should be taken with food or after eating a meal. Swallowing the medication whole is recommended to ensure that it is absorbed properly. In addition, it is important to take the medication at regular intervals throughout the day to maintain an even level of the drug in the body.
Side Effects
Common side effects associated with meprobamate include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and dry mouth. Less common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, insomnia, and nightmares. If any of these side effects become bothersome or severe, contact your doctor.
Toxicity
Miltown can cause severe toxicity when taken in large doses or when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Symptoms of meprobamate toxicity include confusion, disorientation, agitation, seizures, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, and coma.
Precautions
It is important to take meprobamate exactly as prescribed. Do not take more of the drug than has been recommended. Alcohol and other CNS depressants should be avoided when taking Miltown as they can increase the risk of severe side effects. In addition, if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, then you should tell your doctor as the safety of Miltown in these situations have not been established.
Interactions
Miltown may interact with other drugs, herbal products, or vitamins you may be taking. Tell your doctor or health care provider about any other medications you are taking, including vitamins, inhalers, birth control pills, or any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs, as this may lead to an increase or decrease in the effects of Miltown.
Disease Interaction
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or glaucoma before taking Miltown. Additional caution should be taken if you have a history of depression, as Miltown can cause or worsen this condition.
Drug Interaction
Miltown may interact with certain drugs. Avoid the concurrent use of Miltown and other CNS depressants such as alcohol, antihistamines, narcotic analgesics, muscle relaxants, and sedatives. Your doctor may need to reduce your dose or recommend an alternate medication if you take any of these medications.
Food Interactions
Miltown taken with certain foods may result in an increased or decreased absorption of the drug. Dairy products, antacids, and mineral supplements can decrease the absorption of meprobamate, while high-fat meals may increase the absorption. It is recommended to take this drug with meals or after eating a meal to help ensure proper absorption.
Pregnancy Use
Miltown should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by the doctor. Animal studies have shown an increase in fetal malformations, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans.
Lactation Use
Miltown may pass into breast milk and could harm the nursing baby. The safety and effectiveness of Miltown has not been established in nursing mothers, and it is recommended to discontinue nursing or discontinue the medication.
Acute Overdose
Overdose of Miltown may lead to severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty, coma, confusion, drowsiness, and fatigue. If an overdose is suspected, contact the Poison Control Center immediately. Treatment will usually involve the use of activated charcoal or gastric lavage.
Contraindication
Miltown should not be taken if you have liver or kidney disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a history of depression, or if you are allergic to meprobamate. Additionally, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor will likely recommend an alternative medication.
Use Direction
Miltown should be taken only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of the drug than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other drugs, as certain medications may interact with Miltown.
Storage Condition
Miltown should be stored at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat. Keep this and all medications stored out of the reach of children.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Miltown is 1-2 L/kg.
Half-Life
The elimination half-life of Miltown is 22-44 hours.
Clearance
The oral clearance of Miltown is 62-103 mL/min/kg.
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