Before we get to the medication I need to remind you...
For this installment, I have chosen Luvox
GENERIC NAME(S): FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE
Uses: Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps decrease persistent/unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and urges to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, checking) that interfere with daily living. Fluvoxamine is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
**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 Luvox
GENERIC NAME(S): FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE
Uses: Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps decrease persistent/unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and urges to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, checking) that interfere with daily living. Fluvoxamine is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
Luvox
GENERIC NAME(S): FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE
Uses
Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps decrease persistent/unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and urges to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, checking) that interfere with daily living. Fluvoxamine is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How to use Luvox
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking fluvoxamine 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 at bedtime, or twice daily (once in the morning and once at bedtime). If you are taking this medication twice daily and the doses are not equal, then the larger of the 2 doses should be taken at bedtime.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, 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). In children, the dosage may also be based on their age and gender. 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.
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. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
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 right away.
It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weakness, and sweating may occur. 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, shaking (tremor), decrease in sexual interest/ability.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, 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 restlessness.
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
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.
LUVOX Side Effects - side effects by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with Luvox:
Common side effects of Luvox:
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Severe
Diarrhea Severe
Dizzy Severe
Sexual Problems Severe
Acute Infection of the Nose, Throat or Sinus Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Feeling Weak Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Twitching Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Luvox:
Anxious Severe
Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity Severe
Depression Severe
Difficulty Swallowing Severe
Feeling Faint Severe
Feeling Restless Severe
Mild Degree of Mania Severe
Myoclonus Severe
Trouble Breathing Severe
Abnormal Increase in Muscle Tone Less Severe
Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
Any Disease of the Teeth Less Severe
Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
Chills Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
Hyperactive Behavior Less Severe
Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Leg Cramps Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Mood Changes Less Severe
Muscle Pain Less Severe
Not Feeling Well Less Severe
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Weight Gain Less Severe
Weight Loss Less Severe
Yawning Less Severe
Rare side effects of Luvox:
A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still Severe
Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Severe
Anemia Severe
Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe
Bloody Urine Severe
Blurred Vision Severe
Extrapyramidal Reaction Severe
Extreme Sense of Well Being Severe
Feeling Anger Toward Something Severe
Fever Severe
Giant Hives Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Hemorrhage Severe
Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Severe
Hepatitis Severe
Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches Severe
Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure Severe
Mental Impairment Severe
Muscle Problems that cause Abnormal Movement Severe
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
Pancreatitis Severe
Porphyria Severe
Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG Severe
Rapid Ventricular Heartbeat Severe
Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
Seizures Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Slowing of the Electrical Conduction System of the Heart Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Suicidal Severe
Vasculitis Severe
Voluntary Movement Difficulty Severe
A Spasm of the Larynx Less Severe
Abnormal Dreams Less Severe
Abnormally Long or Heavy Periods Less Severe
Bleeding Not Related to Menstrual Period Less Severe
Dilated PupilLess Severe
Drug or Chemical-Induced Sensitivity to Sunlight Less Severe
Hives Less Severe
Nosebleed Less Severe
Problem with Periods Less Severe
Small Reddish-Purplish Pin-Point Sized Spots on the Skin Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking fluvoxamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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: personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, seizures, low sodium in the blood, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease) or bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness 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 more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding, or loss of coordination. Older adults may also be more likely to develop a type of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are taking "water pills" (diuretics). Loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children who are taking this drug.
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 rarely 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, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder) 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.
This drug passes 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: other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin).
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.
This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include alosetron, clozapine, methadone, melatonin, pimozide, ramelteon, tacrine, thioridazine, tizanidine, certain benzodiazepines such as alprazolam/diazepam/triazolam, certain beta-blockers such as metoprolol/propranolol, tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine, among others.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking 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 after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
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 other SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
This medication can increase the effects of caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking.
This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, seizures.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all regular medical and psychiatric appointments.
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 July 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.
GENERIC NAME(S): FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE
Uses
Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps decrease persistent/unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and urges to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, checking) that interfere with daily living. Fluvoxamine is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How to use Luvox
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking fluvoxamine 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 at bedtime, or twice daily (once in the morning and once at bedtime). If you are taking this medication twice daily and the doses are not equal, then the larger of the 2 doses should be taken at bedtime.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, 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). In children, the dosage may also be based on their age and gender. 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.
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. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
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 right away.
It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weakness, and sweating may occur. 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, shaking (tremor), decrease in sexual interest/ability.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, 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 restlessness.
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
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.
LUVOX Side Effects - side effects by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with Luvox:
Common side effects of Luvox:
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Severe
Diarrhea Severe
Dizzy Severe
Sexual Problems Severe
Acute Infection of the Nose, Throat or Sinus Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Feeling Weak Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Twitching Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Luvox:
Anxious Severe
Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity Severe
Depression Severe
Difficulty Swallowing Severe
Feeling Faint Severe
Feeling Restless Severe
Mild Degree of Mania Severe
Myoclonus Severe
Trouble Breathing Severe
Abnormal Increase in Muscle Tone Less Severe
Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
Any Disease of the Teeth Less Severe
Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
Chills Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
Hyperactive Behavior Less Severe
Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Leg Cramps Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Mood Changes Less Severe
Muscle Pain Less Severe
Not Feeling Well Less Severe
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Weight Gain Less Severe
Weight Loss Less Severe
Yawning Less Severe
Rare side effects of Luvox:
A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still Severe
Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Severe
Anemia Severe
Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe
Bloody Urine Severe
Blurred Vision Severe
Extrapyramidal Reaction Severe
Extreme Sense of Well Being Severe
Feeling Anger Toward Something Severe
Fever Severe
Giant Hives Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Hemorrhage Severe
Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Severe
Hepatitis Severe
Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches Severe
Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure Severe
Mental Impairment Severe
Muscle Problems that cause Abnormal Movement Severe
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
Pancreatitis Severe
Porphyria Severe
Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG Severe
Rapid Ventricular Heartbeat Severe
Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
Seizures Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Slowing of the Electrical Conduction System of the Heart Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Suicidal Severe
Vasculitis Severe
Voluntary Movement Difficulty Severe
A Spasm of the Larynx Less Severe
Abnormal Dreams Less Severe
Abnormally Long or Heavy Periods Less Severe
Bleeding Not Related to Menstrual Period Less Severe
Dilated PupilLess Severe
Drug or Chemical-Induced Sensitivity to Sunlight Less Severe
Hives Less Severe
Nosebleed Less Severe
Problem with Periods Less Severe
Small Reddish-Purplish Pin-Point Sized Spots on the Skin Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking fluvoxamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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: personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, seizures, low sodium in the blood, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease) or bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness 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 more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding, or loss of coordination. Older adults may also be more likely to develop a type of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are taking "water pills" (diuretics). Loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children who are taking this drug.
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 rarely 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, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder) 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.
This drug passes 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: other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin).
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.
This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include alosetron, clozapine, methadone, melatonin, pimozide, ramelteon, tacrine, thioridazine, tizanidine, certain benzodiazepines such as alprazolam/diazepam/triazolam, certain beta-blockers such as metoprolol/propranolol, tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine, among others.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking 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 after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
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 other SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
This medication can increase the effects of caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking.
This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, seizures.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all regular medical and psychiatric appointments.
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 July 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.
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