Cyproheptadine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 10, 2024.

Applies to cyproheptadine: oral solution, oral tablets.

Side effects include:

Sedation, sleepiness (often transient), dizziness, disturbed coordination, restlessness, excitation.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cyproheptadine: compounding powder, oral syrup, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects included drowsiness and somnolence.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Drowsiness, somnolence
• Frequency not reported: Convulsions, coordination disturbance, dizziness, faintness, headache, neuritis, paresthesias, sedation/transient sedation, sleepiness/transient sleepiness, tremor, vertigo^[Ref]

Some patients who developed drowsiness initially had an apparent improvement in symptoms when they continued taking this drug continuously over the next 3 to 4 days.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Aggressive behavior, confusion, euphoria, excitation, hallucinations, hysteria, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, restlessness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, epigastric distress, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Difficult urination/micturition difficulty, early menses, micturition frequency/urinary frequency, urinary retention^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Chest tightness, dry nose, dry throat, nasal stuffiness, thickened bronchial secretions, wheezing^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Cholestasis, hepatitis, jaundice, liver failure, liver function abnormality^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Allergic rash, excessive perspiration, photosensitivity, urticaria^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Extrasystoles, hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, increased appetite, weight gain^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Chills, fatigue, rigors^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic edema, anaphylactic shock^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, diplopia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Acute labyrinthitis^[Ref]

Further information

Cyproheptadine 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