Cyproheptadine Side Effects

Some side effects of cyproheptadine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to cyproheptadine: oral syrup, oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking cyproheptadine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking cyproheptadine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• seizure (convulsions);

• ringing in your ears;

• feeling like you might pass out;

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• urinating less than usual or not at all; or

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, or unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects of cyproheptadine may include:

• mild drowsiness, dizziness, or spinning sensation;

• feeling restlessness or excited (especially in children);

• sleep problems (insomnia), tired feeling;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• increased sweating or urination;

• blurred vision;

• appetite changes;

• dry mouth or nose, upset stomach; or

• nausea, diarrhea, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to cyproheptadine: compounding powder, oral syrup, oral tablet

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have commonly included central nervous system (CNS) depression, typically resulting in drowsiness and sedation. These effects have often been transient and often ceased with continued use. Motor skills have been be impaired. Infrequently, confusion, restlessness, nervousness, tremor, convulsions, and hallucinations have occurred.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Other

The effect of cyproheptadine on weight gain has been studied in patients in whom weight gain would be beneficial, such as those suffering from anorexia nervosa. In healthy, thin individuals, weight gain of 4 kg in 56 days has been reported with a dosage of 12 mg orally per day.

Other side effects have included weight gain. The mechanism of action is not known but appears to be related to appetite stimulation, although a decrease in physical activity resulting from the sedative effect of the drug may contribute to a small degree.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypotension, tachycardia, and palpitations.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included dry nose and throat, thickening of bronchial secretions, chest tightness, and wheezing.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included blurred vision, diplopia, and dry eyes, due to the anticholinergic activity of the drug.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included urinary retention, urinary frequency and dysuria probably resulting from cyproheptadine's anticholinergic activity.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and agranulocytosis, but these have been uncommon.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included rare reports of cholestatic jaundice.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.