The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
Less Common Side Effects
- Weakness
- Headache
- Tremor
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Rash
Meperidine serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: trouble breathing; hives; swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dangerously slow breathing: trouble breathing; bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes
- Extremely low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
- Accidentally taking too much (overdose): not responding to sound or touch, slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness, slow heartbeat, cold or clammy skin
- Opioid withdrawal: anxiety, irritability, suicidal thoughts, restlessness, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, wide pupils, body aches, uncontrolled pain
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, shakiness, muscle stiffness, muscle twitching, uncoordinated movement, seizures, hallucinations
- Seizures
Source: DailyMed
The following Meperidine side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
- Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
- Pain or trouble swallowing, heartburn, chest pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Other Meperidine articles
