Use of Meprobamate in Tension States

Abstract

In recent years a number of new drugs have appeared, grouped together as so-called tranquillizing agents. The publication of three very encouraging papers describing the use of meprobamate prompted the present trial. Selling (1955) prescribed one 400 mg. tablet daily after each meal and one at bedtime in 187 cases, combined with psychotherapy, and found its use in anxiety and tension states was of considerable value (90 per cent and 95 per cent respectively improved or recovered). Borrus (1955) used one to six 400 mg. tablets daily in 104 cases. In 68 per cent of all cases, and 78 per cent of the anxiety states, there were favourable results. Lemere (1955) contrasting chlorpromazine and reserpine, found meprobamate (used in over 250 patients with at least 70 per cent good results) to be relatively uniform in its action, remarkably free from side reaction and more effective in the relief of insomnia. All three authors stressed the absence of toxicity.