Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2530

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Greenblatt DJ, Shader RI.
Meprobamate: a study of irrational drug use.
Am J Psychiatry 1971 Apr; 127:(10):1297-303

Abstract:

The history of the tranquilizer meprobamate illustrates how factors other than scientific evidence may determine physicians’ patterns of drug use. Forceful advertising and pubicity, an attitude of general optimism, and uncontrolled studies with favourable results combined to elevate meprobamate to the position of America’s magical cure-all tranquilizer. This drug remains in wide use despite a large body of sound scientific data that questions its efficacy. Today, easy pharmacologic solutions to the stresses and tensions of life are often sought in place of more effective forms of mastery. This trend, which may not be a healthy one, is fostered by physicians who prescribe tranquilizers indiscriminantly.

Keywords:
MeSH Terms: Agranulocytosis/chemically induced Anemia, Aplastic/chemically induced Anxiety/chemically induced Anxiety/drug therapy Chlordiazepoxide/therapeutic use Diazepam/therapeutic use Humans Meprobamate/adverse effects Meprobamate/therapeutic use* Neurotic Disorders/drug therapy Oxazepam/therapeutic use Placebos Purpura/chemically induced Substance-Related Disorders* Suicide/drug effects Thrombocytopenia/chemically induced *systematic review/United States/quality of information/quality of prescribing/meprobamate/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE

Notes:

Methodology note: Search methods to identify the trials included are not stated. The methodology of data abstraction is not described. The methods by which the trials were analyzed is not described.