Phenprobamate use disorder: a case report

ABSTRACT

Background: Tolerance and dependence of centrally acting muscle relaxants have been reported in the medical literature for nearly 50 years. Meprobamate, which is one of the best-known examples, had been a controlled substance after studies indicating its addictive effects, shortly after its introduction in the 1950 s. Phenprobamate, which has been reported to be similar to meprobamate in terms of effects, side effects, and toxicity, is not a controlled substance and is frequently prescribed as a centrally acting 10 muscle relaxant. To our knowledge, there is only one case report regarding phenprobamate dependence, which is known for its similar mechanism of action to meprobamate.

Methods and Results: Here a case study, who is taking 12 grams a day (30 tablets/day), is presented about phenprobamate, which could have an addictive effect similar to some centrally acting muscle relaxants that were reported in the literature.

Conclusions: Physicians should investigate non-phenprobamate muscle relaxant options in those with a history of 15 alcohol and substance use disorders, and health policy should prevent over-the-counter drug sales and prevent possible addictions.

KEYWORDS:

• Addiction
• phenprobamate
• dependence
• muscle relaxant