Butabarbital Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 5, 2023.

Applies to butabarbital: oral tablet.

Common side effects of butabarbital

Some side effects of butabarbital 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:

Less common side effects

• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Rare side effects

• constipation
• headache
• nervousness
• nightmares

Serious side effects of butabarbital

Along with its needed effects, butabarbital 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking butabarbital:

Rare side effects

• agitation
• bluish lips or skin
• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• dark urine
• discouragement
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• extremely shallow or slow breathing
• false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
• fast heartbeat
• feeling sad or empty
• fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• hoarseness
• increase in body movements
• irritability
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• lack of appetite
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• light-colored stools
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• loss of interest or pleasure
• mood or other mental changes
• nausea
• not breathing
• poor insight and judgment
• problems with memory or speech
• redness of the skin
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• stomach pain or bloating
• sweating
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• trouble concentrating
• trouble recognizing objects
• trouble sleeping
• trouble thinking and planning
• trouble walking
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

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

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred vision
• chills
• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• cool hands and feet
• decrease in the amount of urine
• difficult or troubled breathing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• irritability
• loss of consciousness
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• poor judgment
• shivering
• slurred speech
• sweating
• trouble in walking
• trouble sleeping
• uncontrolled eye movements

For healthcare professionals

Applies to butabarbital: oral elixir, oral tablet.

Nervous system adverse events

• 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, hallucinations, insomnia, nervousness, nightmares, psychiatric disturbance^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Constipation, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Apnea, hypoventilation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, hypotension^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Exfoliative dermatitis, skin rashes^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fever^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Liver damage^[Ref]

Further information

Butabarbital 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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer