Secobarbital Side Effects
Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on Mar 9, 2023.
Applies to secobarbital: injectable solution, oral capsule.
Warning
You should not use secobarbital if you have severe liver disease, severe breathing problems, or porphyria.
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.
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:
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unusual thoughts or behavior;
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new or worsening depression;
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confusion, hallucinations;
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anxiety, agitation; or
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thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
The sedative effects of secobarbital may be stronger in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
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drowsiness, feeling tired;
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"hangover" effect (drowsiness the day after a dose);
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headache, dizziness;
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memory problems;
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upset stomach; or
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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
Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence
Frequency not reported: Ataxia, central nervous system (CNS) depression, dizziness, headache, hyperkinesia, syncope[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Abnormal thinking, agitation, anxiety, confusion, dependence, excitement, hallucinations, insomnia, nervousness, nightmares, other complex behaviors, psychiatric disturbance, sleep driving[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Fever, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Frequency not reported: Constipation, nausea, vomiting[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Apnea, hypoventilation[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Exfoliative dermatitis, skin rashes[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, hypotension[Ref]
Hematologic
Frequency not reported: Megaloblastic anemia[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Liver damage[Ref]
Local
Frequency not reported: Injection site reactions[Ref]
More about secobarbital
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References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Seconal Sodium (secobarbital)." Lilly, Eli and Company
2. (2010) "Product Information. Seconal Sodium (secobarbital)." Marathon Pharmaceuticals
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.