Risk & Benefits of Stadol

Migraines, pain from surgery and muscle pain can all be relieved quickly with the drug Butorphanol, more commonly known as Stadol or Stadol NS. Prescribed by your doctor, the medicine is available as an injection or nasal spray. Your doctor will decide which form of Stadol will best treat your symptoms.

Forms of Stadol

• Stadol injections are one form of pain relief.

  Stadol can be injected directly into a vein or muscle. Injections are given every three to four hours as needed, in the dosage your doctor prescribes. Your doctor will show you how to use and dispose of the needles with which you inject Stadol.

  Butorphanol nasal spray (Stadol NS) is sprayed once in one nostril each time it is administered, every three to four hours as needed. If you are still experiencing pain after 90 seconds, a second spray of Stadol NS can be used. One bottle of Stadol NS will provide between eight and 15 doses.

Benefits

• Stadol can be an effective pain management drug during childbirth.

  Stadol and Stadol NS act on certain centers in the brain to give quick pain relief. The drug is used to relieve migraines, muscle pain, pain from surgery and other forms of pain. Stadol injections may also be used during the first stage of labor to relieve pain. Stadol and Stadol NS are more potent than some other pain relievers, start working in less than five minutes and cause minimal nausea.

Risks

• Ask your doctor about possible side effects of using Stadol or Stadol NS.

  Side effects of Stadol and Stadol NS include blurred vision, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, headache, flushing and nausea. Constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, confusion, sore throat, ringing in the ears or sweating may also occur. Stadol NS can also cause a drop in blood pressure. Stadol injection sites may become red and painful.

  Both forms of Stadol may cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop usingthe drug. These symptoms include restlessness, watering eyes, severe abdominal or muscle pain, vomiting and rapid breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficult or shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, seizures, severe abdominal or stomach pain or a change in the amount of your urine. Nosebleeds from using Stadol NS should also be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.

  Stadol NS and Stadol can be habit-forming. Do not use doses larger than recommended by your doctor or use the drug for a longer time than your doctor prescribes.

  Serious side effects or allergic reactions to Stadol or Stadol NS are rare.