Secobarbital Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to secobarbital: oral capsule

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

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking secobarbital and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Stop using secobarbital and call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual thoughts or behavior;

• new or worsening depression;

• confusion, hallucinations;

• anxiety, agitation; or

• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

The sedative effects of secobarbital may be stronger in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness, feeling tired;

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

• headache, dizziness;

• memory problems;

• dry mouth;

• upset stomach; or

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

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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