Sedatives & Hypnotics
Meprobamate (Miltown)
Street names: Miltown, Equanil, Meprospan, Meprotabs
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- 1950s 'happiness pill': calm, muscle relaxation, mild euphoria
- Still the active metabolite of carisoprodol (Soma)
⚠Key risks
- The original mass-market tranquilizer dependence scandal (1950s-60s)
- Overdose: respiratory depression, coma, hypotension
- Withdrawal: seizures, hallucinations
- Carisoprodol users get meprobamate exposure — double dependency pathway
✚Overdose signs
- Sedation then coma
- Low blood pressure
- Slow breathing
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meprobamate (Miltown) | Schedule IV | The original mass-market tranquilizer dependence scandal (1950s-60s); Overdose: respiratory depression, coma, hypotension | Rare |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Meprobamate (Miltown) look like?
200–600 mg tablets, white
What are the signs of a Meprobamate (Miltown) overdose?
Sedation then coma; Low blood pressure; Slow breathing Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
The original mass-market tranquilizer dependence scandal (1950s-60s) Dependence can develop with regular use.