Prialt Side Effects

Prialt is a non-narcotic pain medication for people who have severe chronic pain. Prialt is only given through an infusion pump. The dose of this medication is adjusted for each person to help get the best pain relief possible. Some side effects of Prialt will lessen after a short time. If any side effects persist, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible.

Less Serious

• Side effects that may go away as the body adjusts to Prialt include: headache, drowsiness, weakness, joint pain, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and loss of appetite. There may be a temporary loss of balance or coordination, having unusual dreams or difficulties sleeping and needing to urinate less often. If any of these side effects persist, inform your primary care physician.

Serious

• More serious side effects should be immediately reported to your physician. Symptoms include: difficulties with memory, walking, talking, fainting, vision problems, depression, severe drowsiness, and disorientation. Serious psychological side effects include: hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, hostility, and unusual thoughts or behaviors. Other serious side effects that may occur include: decrease in alertness, stupor, strange sensations in the mouth, fever, stiff neck, muscle pain, weakness, cramps, and signs of infection at the pump infusion site.

Allergic

• Signs of an allergic reaction should receive immediate medical attention to prevent a fatal reaction. Symptoms that may signal an allergic reaction are breathing difficulties, hives, rash, itching, severe dizziness, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Infection

• A serious side effect of Prialt is meningitis. Meningitis may occur if the solution, or site of infusion, becomes contaminated. Symptoms of meningitis include: extreme drowsiness, confusion, seizures, high fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and severe headache. If you experience any of these, seek immediate medical attention.

Psychiatric and Neurological

• Some people may experience psychiatric or neurological side effects from Prialt. Psychiatric symptoms include depression that worsens over time, feeling defeated, angry and short tempered, hallucinating, and thoughts of suicide. Neurological symptoms may include unusual sensations when touching things, muscle soreness or weakness, and an inability to do normal daily activities.

Significant

• People with a history of psychosis or mental illness should not take this medication due to the increased risk of severe mental and mood changes. Prialt can increase some side effects and interact with other medications. Talk to a physician before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements.