Seconal Sodium Side Effects

Generic name: secobarbital

Note: This document contains side effect information about secobarbital. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Seconal Sodium.

Some side effects of Seconal Sodium 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 secobarbital: oral capsule

Secobarbital may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking secobarbital (the active ingredient contained in Seconal Sodium) and Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking secobarbital: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

• slow heartbeat, shallow breathing;

• feeling like you might pass out;

• a fever or a sore throat;

• sores in your mouth;

• easy bruising or bleeding; or

• ongoing nightmares or increased dreaming.

Less serious side effects of secobarbital may include:

• drowsiness or dizziness;

• problems with memory or concentration;

• excitement (especially in children or older adults);

• upset stomach, constipation;

• headache; or

• "hangover" effect (drowsiness the day after a dose).

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 secobarbital: injectable solution, oral capsule

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included somnolence, headache, confusion, hyperkinesias, ataxia, and dizziness.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included angioedema, skin rash, and exfoliative dermatitis.

Oncologic

Oncologic side effects have included a possible increased frequency of malignancy (particularly liver cancer and brain tumors) following use of phenobarbital and other barbiturates.

Other

Other side effects have included physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported when secobarbital (the active ingredient contained in Seconal Sodium) therapy has been discontinued suddenly.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included agitation, nightmares, nervousness, psychiatric disturbance, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, and abnormal thinking.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included hypoventilation and apnea.

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