Butorphanol (Stadol): a study in problems of current drug information and control

Butorphanol (Stadol, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Princeton, NJ) is a synthetically derived opiate. As a nasal spray, it was approved for release in 1991 and was subsequently promoted as a safe treatment for migraine. Since then, there have been numerous reports of problems with butorphanol similar to those of any narcotic, especially dependence-addiction and major psychological disturbances. These problems have been documented by the Food and Drug Administration, but the information can be obtained only through the Freedom of Information Act. The experience with butorphanol indicates the need for physicians to have additional sources of information about drugs than are presently available.