What Is Emylcamate?

Emylcamate was an anxiolytic and muscle relaxant that was prescribed in the 1960s to treat anxiety and tension. Emylcamate was sold under the brand name Striatran, which was produced by the pharmaceutical company Merck.

Emylcamate is no longer prescribed in the United States, and likely has no current medical uses. Other types of drugs, such as benzodiazepines and antispasmodics, may be used in place of emylcamate.

The availability of emylcamate for illicit use in the United States is likely low. Few studies were conducted on emylcamate after the 1960s. Possible side effects of emylcamate may include sedation and impairment.

Uses For Emylcamate

In the 1960s, medical professionals viewed emylcamate as a potential reliever for anxiety and muscle spasms. Emylcamate belonged to a class of compounds known as tertiary alcohol carbamates. The healthcare company Merck manufactured emylcamate under the name Striatran.

Striatran was marketed as a safe, effective alternative to meprobamate, which was a mainstream treatment option for anxiety symptoms at the time. Reports suggest that average doses included 200 mg of the drug three times daily.

Studies on Striatran’s effectiveness decreased by the 1960s. This coincided with the discovery and subsequent use of benzodiazepines to treat similar conditions. By the 1970s, benzodiazepines became the preferred method of anxiety treatment over emylcamate.

Effects Of Emylcamate Use

Emylcamate was marketed as a more effective alternative to other anxiety relievers at the time. A report from the American Journal of Hospital Psychiatry lists possible side effects of emylcamate as:

• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• headache
• irritability
• worsening anxiety
• palpitations

Studies from the 1960s suggested improved symptoms of anxiety and muscle tension in participants. Few reports of Striatran in post-marketing use are available in 2022, and the effectiveness of the drug is unknown.

Abuse Potential Of Emylcamate

Few studies exist on the abuse potential of emylcamate. The potential of the drug to cause drowsiness and sedation may suggest the drug had some potential for abuse. However, scientific data does not exist to support or refute these effects of emylcamate.

If you or a loved one struggle with prescription drug abuse, contact us today. Our addiction treatment services can help reduce patterns of high-risk drug use.