Butorphanol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 15, 2024.

Applies to butorphanol: nasal spray.

Other dosage forms:

• injection solution

Serious side effects of butorphanol

Along with its needed effects, butorphanol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

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

• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• dizziness (severe)
• drowsiness (severe)
• nervousness, restlessness, or weakness (severe)
• small pupils
• slow heartbeat
• slow or troubled breathing

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking butorphanol:

More common side effects

• difficulty in breathing
• fever
• nosebleeds
• ringing or buzzing in ears
• runny nose
• sinus congestion
• sneezing
• sore throat

Less common or rare side effects

• blurred vision
• congestion in chest
• cough
• difficulty in urinating
• difficult or painful breathing
• ear pain
• fainting
• hallucinations
• itching
• sinus congestion with pain
• skin rash or hives

Other side effects of butorphanol

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:

More common side effects

• confusion
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• flushing
• headache
• irritation inside nose
• loss of appetite
• nasal congestion
• nausea or vomiting
• sweating or clammy feeling
• trouble in sleeping
• unpleasant taste
• weakness (severe)

Less common or rare side effects

• anxious feeling
• behavior changes
• burning, crawling, or prickling feeling on skin
• false sense of well-being
• feeling hot
• floating feeling
• nervousness, sometimes with restlessness
• pounding heartbeat
• stomach pain
• strange dreams
• trembling

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

• anxious feeling
• diarrhea
• nervousness and restlessness

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 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.

Further information

Butorphanol 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