butorphanol

Butorphanol can cause extremely slowed breathing that can be life-threatening. This can happen at any time, even when the medication is used as recommended by your provider. But generally, the risk is highest when you first start the medication or after your dose is raised. Don't take butorphanol with alcohol or other medications that can slow your body down (e.g., benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants). Doing so can slow down your breathing even more. If you or a loved one notices that you have trouble breathing or have bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes, get medical help right away. If you're concerned with the risk of overdosing with this medication, discuss with your provider about getting naloxone (Narcan). Naloxone (Narcan) can help to reverse the effects of opioids and possibly save your life.

Butorphanol has a risk of addiction and misuse. Addiction can develop even at recommended doses as prescribed or if butorphanol is used for reasons other than prescribed (misuse). Sometimes, addiction and misuse can lead to life-threatening overdose. To lower the risk of addiction and misuse, your healthcare provider will prescribe the lowest amount of butorphanol that's necessary for you for the shortest period of time possible.

It's possible to accidentally take too much butorphanol at recommended doses of the medication. Overdoses can also happen if it's accidentally taken by a child or a loved one. Overdoses can be life-threatening if it's not recognized or treated in time. Your healthcare provider might recommend that you carry a reversal agent called naloxone (Narcan, Evzio) with you at all times to quickly treat an overdose if it happens. Make sure you and your caregiver know how to use naloxone (Narcan, Evzio) in case there's an accidental overdose. Opioid overdose symptoms include extremely slowed breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme sleepiness, cold or clammy skin, and not responding to sound or touch. Call 911 right away if you think an overdose has happened.

During pregnancy, opioids can be passed from you to your unborn baby through the placenta and umbilical cord. If you take butorphanol for a long period of time during pregnancy, there's a risk that your unborn baby can become dependent on the medication. Once your baby is born, they can develop a condition called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms in your newborn can include high-pitched crying, poor feeding and sucking behavior, trembling, irritability, and sometimes seizures. This condition can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your healthcare provider know if you've used butorphanol during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.

Butorphanol can interact with other medications, which can change how it affects your body and pain overall. Some medications can increase the levels of butorphanol in your body and cause fatal respiratory depression (slowed breathing). Other medications can lower the levels in your body and lead to inadequate control of your pain. Some examples of medications that might interact with butorphanol include certain antibiotics, antifungals, and medications used for anxiety or depression. It's also very important to avoid alcohol while taking this medication, because the combination can lead to serious side effects, such as slowed breathing, low blood pressure, and extreme sedation. While taking butorphanol, don't start any new prescription or over-the-counter medications until confirming with your provider or pharmacist that it is safe to do so.

Some people taking opioids like butorphanol experienced a drop in their hormone levels. This is more likely to happen if you take the medication for more than a month. Symptoms of very low hormone levels include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, dizziness, and weakness. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience these symptoms.

Butorphanol can cause high or low blood pressure. Low blood pressure has happened to people during the first hour of taking butorphanol and has caused fainting. If you experience dizziness, headache, or vision changes, let your provider know.

Opioids, such as butorphanol, can cause more frequent seizures to happen in people who've had seizures in the past. The medication might also raise the risk of seizure in other situations where seizures can occur. Let your healthcare provider know if you have seizures more often while taking butorphanol.

Butorphanol can make you feel very drowsy and affect your abilities to think, focus, and react. Be careful driving, operating machinery, or doing any dangerous activities until you know how this medication affects you.