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.
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- swelling of feet or ankles
- trouble sleeping
Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- abnormal heartbeat or heart palpitations
- agitation
- changes in blood sugar and decreased blood sugar control (low blood sugar – cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, weakness; high blood sugar – frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
- chest pain
- confusion
- hallucinations (e.g., seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- inability to control urination
- poor coordination
- rapid or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
- ringing in the ears
- signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
- symptoms of low sodium in the blood (e.g., tiredness, weakness, confusion, achy, stiff or uncoordinated muscles)
- symptoms of liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine)
- unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, dark urine with nausea or vomiting
- unusual changes in mood
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- loss of consciousness
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing)
- signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
- slow, shallow, or weak breathing
- thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- worsening seizures
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.