Butorphanol (Stadol NS) Drug for Migraine Headache: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Butorphanol
(Stadol NS, United States and Canada)

Use:

Butorphanol or Stadol NS is used to alleviate pain post operatively and in such conditions migraine.

How It Works:

Butorphanol or Stadol NS is an opiod agonist and antagonist which means it is able to block pain sensations. It is 5-10 times more potent in pain relief than morphine, however it is less prone to abuse.
Given by nasal spray Butorphanol or Stadol NS has a rapid onset of action and lasts for three to five hours.

Side Effects:

Butorphanol or Stadol NS can cause drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness. Euphoria does occur with Butorphanol or Stadol NS, and although it has a lower abuse potential than other narcotics, it can cause some dependence.

Cautions for People:

Being a nasal spray, Butorphanol or Stadol NS provides an alternate route of administration when nausea and vomiting are occurring.

Drug Interactions:

Any drug that can cause drowsiness or dizziness has the potential to interact with Butorphanol or Stadol NS.

Further Reading:

Drug Alchol Dependency 1994;35:159
Drugs 1995;50(1):157
Am Fam Phys 1994;49(1):188

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.