Secobarbital Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to secobarbital: oral capsule

Secobarbital may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking secobarbital 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.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, and constipation.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included angioedema, skin rash, and exfoliative dermatitis.^[Ref]

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.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have included physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported when secobarbital therapy has been discontinued suddenly.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

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

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included hypoventilation and apnea.^[Ref]

It is possible that some side effects of secobarbital may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

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