What side effects are possible with Tridural?

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Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

·                            constipation

·                            cough

·                            diarrhea

·                            dizziness

·                            drowsiness

·                            dry mouth

·                            flushing

·                            gas

·                            headache

·                            itchy skin

·                            nausea

·                            loss of appetite

·                            restlessness or nervousness

·                            stomach pain

·                            sweating

·                            tremor

·                            trouble sleeping

·                            vomiting

·                            weakness

                heartburn

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

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

·                            abnormal, fast, or pounding heart beat

·                            confusion

·                            depression

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

·                            fainting

·                            signs of a severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue

·                            symptoms of a severe skin reaction: high fever, rash, sores, painful blisters on the skin, mouth, or eyes, or skin peeling off

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Tridural?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Breathing: This medication can suppress breathing. People at risk for breathing suppression (e.g., people with head trauma) should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking this medication.

Dependence and withdrawal: This medication can cause physical dependence, psychological dependence, and addiction. If this medication is stopped suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, trouble sleeping, shaking, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhea, and hallucinations. If you have been taking this medication for a while, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you.

Kidney function impairment: This medication should not be used by people with severely impaired kidney function.

Liver function impairment: This medication should not be used by people with severely impaired liver function.

Seizures: This medication may cause seizures, especially when higher doses are used or when taken with other medications such as:

·                            cyclobenzaprine

·                            neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol, quetiapine, olanzapine, resperidone)

·                            opioids (e.g., morphine, codeine, oxycodone)

·                            promethazine

·                            selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram)

·                            tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs; e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)

The risk of seizures is also higher for people with epilepsy, a history of seizures, or who are at risk of seizures (e.g., people with head trauma).

Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, let your doctor know that you are taking this medication.

Pregnancy: The safety of using this medication during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. This medication should not be taken by women who are breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children. This medication should not be used in people under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects from this medication, especially seniors over 75 years of age.