Before we get to the medication I need to remind you...
For this installment, I have chosen Fetzima
GENERIC NAME(S): LEVOMILNACIPRAN HYDROCHLORIDE
Uses: Levomilnacipran is used to treat depression. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. Levomilnacipran belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It may improve your mood, sleep, and appetite and may help restore your interest in daily living.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Fetzima
GENERIC NAME(S): LEVOMILNACIPRAN HYDROCHLORIDE
Uses: Levomilnacipran is used to treat depression. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. Levomilnacipran belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It may improve your mood, sleep, and appetite and may help restore your interest in daily living.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
Fetzima
GENERIC NAME(S): LEVOMILNACIPRAN HYDROCHLORIDE
Uses
Levomilnacipran is used to treat depression. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. Levomilnacipran belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It may improve your mood, sleep, and appetite and may help restore your interest in daily living.
How to use Fetzima
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking levomilnacipran and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
It may take several months before you get the full benefit of this drug.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects - See also Warning section.
Constipation, vomiting, increased sweating, dizziness, or nose bleeds may occur. Males may also have trouble getting/keeping an erection. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pounding heartbeat, signs of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as black/bloody stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, dizziness), easy bleeding/bruising, problems beginning the flow of urine, painful/difficult urination, signs of low level of sodium in the blood (such as nausea, extreme drowsiness, mental/mood changes).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
FETZIMA Side Effects
The following side effects are associated with Fetzima List Fetzima side effects by likelihood and severity:
Common side effects of Fetzima:
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
Dizzy Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
High Blood Pressure Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Fetzima:
Blurred Vision Less Severe
Chills Less Severe
Difficult or Painful Urination Less Severe
Fast Heartbeat Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Migraine Headache Less Severe
Problem with Ejaculation Less Severe
Rash Less Severe
Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Weight Loss Less Severe
Rare side effects of Fetzima:
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Acute Kidney Disease Severe
Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
Erythema Multiforme Severe
Extremely High Blood Pressure Severe
Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Hemorrhage Severe
Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Severe
Hepatitis Severe
Inflammation of Prostate Gland Severe
Inflammation of the Bladder Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
Parkinson Symptoms Severe
Seizures Severe
Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Stevens-Johnson SyndromeSevere
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Severe
Thoughts of Hurting or Killing Others Severe
Aggressive Behavior Less Severe
Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
Condition in which Stomach Acid is Pushed Into the Esophagus Less Severe
Delay When Starting to Pass Urine Less Severe
Delirium Less Severe
Depression Less Severe
Diarrhea Less Severe
Dilated Pupil Less Severe
Discharge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Easily Angered or Annoyed Less Severe
Fever Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Low Energy Less Severe
Night Sweats Less Severe
Nosebleed Less Severe
Swelling of the Abdomen Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Testicular Pain Less Severe
Trouble Breathing Less Severe
Urinary Tract Infection Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking levomilnacipran, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to milnacipran; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), personal or family history of a certain mental/mood disorder (bipolar disorder), personal or family history of suicide attempts, high blood pressure, heart problems (such as chest pain, heart attack, fast/irregular heartbeat), poor blood flow to the brain, urinary retention or problems urinating (such as enlarged prostate), seizures, mineral imbalance (low level of sodium in the blood).
This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for a certain mineral imbalance (low level of sodium in the blood) while using this drug, especially if they are taking "water pills" (diuretics).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.
Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: diuretics/"water pills" (such as furosemide), other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin/dabigatran).
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Do not take any MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and 7 days after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
Levomilnacipran is very similar to milnacipran. Do not use medications containing milnacipran while using levomilnacipran.
Should I avoid certain foods while taking Fetzima?
Fetzima may interact with the following foods:
Very important: A change in your diet, medicine, or dosage may be necessary. Promptly consult your doctor or pharmacist.
AVOID GRAPEFRUIT UNLESS MD INSTRUCTS OTHERWISE.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart rate) should be performed before you start treatment, periodically to monitor your progress, or to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised May 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.
GENERIC NAME(S): LEVOMILNACIPRAN HYDROCHLORIDE
Uses
Levomilnacipran is used to treat depression. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. Levomilnacipran belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It may improve your mood, sleep, and appetite and may help restore your interest in daily living.
How to use Fetzima
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking levomilnacipran and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
It may take several months before you get the full benefit of this drug.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects - See also Warning section.
Constipation, vomiting, increased sweating, dizziness, or nose bleeds may occur. Males may also have trouble getting/keeping an erection. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pounding heartbeat, signs of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as black/bloody stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, dizziness), easy bleeding/bruising, problems beginning the flow of urine, painful/difficult urination, signs of low level of sodium in the blood (such as nausea, extreme drowsiness, mental/mood changes).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
FETZIMA Side Effects
The following side effects are associated with Fetzima List Fetzima side effects by likelihood and severity:
Common side effects of Fetzima:
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
Dizzy Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
High Blood Pressure Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Fetzima:
Blurred Vision Less Severe
Chills Less Severe
Difficult or Painful Urination Less Severe
Fast Heartbeat Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Migraine Headache Less Severe
Problem with Ejaculation Less Severe
Rash Less Severe
Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Weight Loss Less Severe
Rare side effects of Fetzima:
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Acute Kidney Disease Severe
Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
Erythema Multiforme Severe
Extremely High Blood Pressure Severe
Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Hemorrhage Severe
Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Severe
Hepatitis Severe
Inflammation of Prostate Gland Severe
Inflammation of the Bladder Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
Parkinson Symptoms Severe
Seizures Severe
Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Stevens-Johnson SyndromeSevere
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Severe
Thoughts of Hurting or Killing Others Severe
Aggressive Behavior Less Severe
Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
Condition in which Stomach Acid is Pushed Into the Esophagus Less Severe
Delay When Starting to Pass Urine Less Severe
Delirium Less Severe
Depression Less Severe
Diarrhea Less Severe
Dilated Pupil Less Severe
Discharge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Easily Angered or Annoyed Less Severe
Fever Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Low Energy Less Severe
Night Sweats Less Severe
Nosebleed Less Severe
Swelling of the Abdomen Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Testicular Pain Less Severe
Trouble Breathing Less Severe
Urinary Tract Infection Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking levomilnacipran, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to milnacipran; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), personal or family history of a certain mental/mood disorder (bipolar disorder), personal or family history of suicide attempts, high blood pressure, heart problems (such as chest pain, heart attack, fast/irregular heartbeat), poor blood flow to the brain, urinary retention or problems urinating (such as enlarged prostate), seizures, mineral imbalance (low level of sodium in the blood).
This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for a certain mineral imbalance (low level of sodium in the blood) while using this drug, especially if they are taking "water pills" (diuretics).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.
Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: diuretics/"water pills" (such as furosemide), other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin/dabigatran).
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Do not take any MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and 7 days after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
Levomilnacipran is very similar to milnacipran. Do not use medications containing milnacipran while using levomilnacipran.
Should I avoid certain foods while taking Fetzima?
Fetzima may interact with the following foods:
Very important: A change in your diet, medicine, or dosage may be necessary. Promptly consult your doctor or pharmacist.
AVOID GRAPEFRUIT UNLESS MD INSTRUCTS OTHERWISE.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart rate) should be performed before you start treatment, periodically to monitor your progress, or to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised May 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.
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