Equanil is a tranquilizer used to treat anxiety disorders or short-term anxiety. It allows the user to relax by slowing activity in the brain.

Equanil and other drugs of the meprobamate class were once the most popular tranquilizer in America, but its usage has largely been replaced by benzodiazepines like Valium.

Equanil and other meprobamates are Schedule IV drugs; it can cause physical dependence and withdrawal after long-term use.

Alternative  & street names:

Equanil is a brand name of meprobamate manufactured by Wyeth. Wallace Labs makes Miltown, a similar drug.

How is it taken?

Equanil should be taken exactly as directed, typically orally as a tablet, two to four times a day. Equanil comes in 200 mg and 400 mg tablets.

Users should not stop taking Equanil without talking to their doctors; doctors tend to lower the dosage on a patient gradually.

Effects of Equanil consumption

Equanil is prescribed to treat anxiety, but scientists seem to disagree whether Equanil and meprobamate in general is an anti-anxiety drug or a sedative. Consequently, doctors are more likely to prescribe a benzodiazepine like Valium for this purpose.

Impact on the mind/body and health risks

Users of Equanil or other meprobamate should tell their doctor if they experience side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, difficulty coordinating movements, excitement, or weakness.

Users should call their doctors immediately if they experience these serious Equanil side effects rash, itching, easy bruising, bloody nose, unusual bleeding, tiny purple-colored skin spots, sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, staggering, or pounding or irregular heartbeat.

Signs of abuse of this Equanil

Users of Equanil can develop a tolerance to the drug, which could lead to physical dependence and addiction. Taking too large of a dose could resort in ataxia, vertigo and slurred speech. Recreational users may use Equanil as a “come down” drug to cushion their crash from other illegal drugs. However, the combination of Equanil with other anti-anxiety drugs could result in death.

Death from overdose of Equanil has been reported in a user who ingested as little as 12g.

Symptoms of Equanil overdose include drowsiness, sluggishness, unresponsiveness or coma, loss of muscle control, severe impairment or cessation of breathing, or shock.

Common treatment options

Quitting Equanil cold turkey could be life threatening, so users are advised to decrease use under a doctor’s supervision, who will likely prescribe a dosage that tapers off to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Admittance to a 24/7 detox facility is a common step in the recovery process Equanil. 

Equanil withdrawal/detox symptoms

Users can experience withdrawal symptoms after only a few weeks of use and could occur as soon as 12 hours after last dosage. Withdrawal from Equanil might include symptoms like irritability, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, convulsions and seizures, low blood pressure, and hallucinations and delirium.