Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Coughing (with injection only); skin rash

Less common

Redness, swelling, or pain at injection site

With long-term use

Yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of overdose

Cloudy urine; confusion; decreased urination; fast and deep breathing; muscle tremors; nausea or vomiting (continuing or severe); nervousness, restlessness, or irritability; shortness of breath or slow or troubled breathing; slow heartbeat; stomach cramps (severe); weakness (severe)

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Drowsiness; nausea or vomiting (when taken by mouth); stomach pain (when taken by mouth); unpleasant breath odor

Less common

Clumsiness or unsteadiness; dizziness; ``hangover'" effect

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

Convulsions (seizures); hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); increased sweating; muscle cramps; nausea and vomiting; stomach cramps; trembling

Paraldehyde will cause your breath to have a strong unpleasant odor. This effect will last until about one day after you have stopped using this medicine.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.