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Tessalon Side Effects
In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Tessalon included constipation, drowsiness, and headache. However, in most cases, people are able to take this medication without any problems. Potentially dangerous reactions are also possible, but less likely to occur. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop serious side effects, such as hallucinations, numbness of the chest, or difficulty breathing.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Tessalon® (benzonatate). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Tessalon. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Tessalon is a relatively old medication, approved before it was standard practice to include highly detailed side effect information in the prescribing information for medications. As a result, only vague information on side effects (with no percentages) is available.
Based on this limited information, some of the possibly bothersome (but not usually dangerous) Tessalon side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Nasal congestion
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- A "chilly" sensation.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD