Stadol Side Effects

Generic name: butorphanol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 31, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Stadol Side Effects associated with butorphanol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Stadol.

Applies to butorphanol: injection solution.

Other dosage forms:

• nasal spray

Common side effects of Stadol

Some side effects of butorphanol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Stadol

Along with its needed effects, butorphanol (the active ingredient contained in Stadol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking butorphanol:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking butorphanol:

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• extremely shallow or slow breathing
• irregular heartbeats
• loss of consciousness
• shortness of breath
• swelling in hands and feet

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are using this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that can make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; other prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures or barbiturates; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the other medicines listed above while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, confused, or disoriented. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

Using narcotics for a long time can cause severe constipation. To prevent this, your doctor may direct you to take laxatives, drink a lot of fluids, or increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, because continuing constipation can lead to more serious problems.

Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, such as abdominal or stomach cramps, anxiety, fever, nausea, runny nose, sweating, tremors, or trouble with sleeping.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to butorphanol: injectable solution, nasal spray.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse events have included somnolence, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Nasal congestion has been reported with use of the nasal spray.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasal congestion (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Epistaxis, nasal congestion, nasal irritation, rhinitis, sinus congestion, sinusitis, nose pain, cough, dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Shallow breathing^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in butorphanol (the active ingredient contained in Stadol) nasal spray.

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, anorexia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (49%), dizziness (23%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, lethargy, confusion, dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, tremor, unpleasant taste
• Postmarketing reports: Serotonin syndrome^[Ref]

Concomitant use of opioids and serotonergic drugs have been associated with reports of serotonin syndrome.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, euphoria, nervousness
• Frequency not reported: Abnormal dreams, agitation, dysphoria, hallucinations, hostility, withdrawal symptoms, depression

Abnormal dreams, agitation, dysphoria, hallucinations, hostility, withdrawal symptoms, and depression have been reported in less than 1% of patients.

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, hypotension, vasodilation, palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Syncope, edema, chest pain, tachycardia^[Ref]

Syncope, chest pain, tachycardia, and edema have been reported in less than 1% of patients.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, pruritus
• Frequency not reported: Rash/hives^[Ref]

Rash/hives have been reported in less than 1% of patients.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, sensation of heat, pain, ear pain, tinnitus^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Impaired urination

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Adrenal insufficiency, androgen deficiency

Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use; Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids.

See also:

Further information

Stadol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer