Drug name
Sarafem (Fluoxetine)
Drug Uses
Sarafem treats PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). PMDD is a serious premenstrual syndrome form. Sometimes it may be taken for some other conditions as directed by your doctor.
How Taken
Take the medication as determined by your doctor. Read the medicine label for precise dosing instructions carefully.
Saeafem should be taken by mouth with food or without it. In case you have a stomach upset, it should be taken with food for reducing the irritation of stomach. Use the drug with a glass of water following the directions of your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Ask your health care provider or doctor any questions about using Sarafem.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Sarafem belongs to SSRI group of meds (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The medication restores serotonin balance in your body. Serotonin is known to be a substance improing mood.
Missed Dose
In case you forget to take a dosage of sarafem, take it immediately. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up. Then go back to your usual schedule.
Storage
Keep Sarafem at room temperature between15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Store the medicine in a hermetic and light-resistant container. Store it away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Save sarafem beyond the reach of children and away from pets.
Warnings Precautions
You must not use this medicine if:
you have allergies to its ingredients;
you are currently using/ have recently selegiline, MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), St. John's wort within the last two weeks;
you are using a pimozide, SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), fenfluramine derivative, sibutramine, H1 antagonists, nefazodone, thioridazine, tryptophan.
Contact your health care provider/doctor immediately in case some of these apply to you.
Sometimes certain medical conditions interact with Desyrel. Tell your pharmacist or doctor in case you have the following medical conditions:
if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
if you are breast-feeding;
if you are dehydrated;
if you are olanning to hav ECT (electroconvulsive therapy);
if you are currently using some herbal preparation, certain dietary supplement
or prescription/nonprescription medicine;
if you are allergic to some substances (medicines, foods etc.);
if you have mood or mental problems;
if you have convulsions, bleedings, diabetes, slow metabolism, heart diseases, kidney or liver problems;
if you consume alcohol.
There are some medications interacting with Desyrel . Inform your health care provider in case you are currently taking any other medicines, especially the following ones:
Selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists, anorexiants, fenfluramine derivatives, linezolid, MAOIs, metoclopramide, nefazodone, sibutramine, SNRIs because the danger of serious side effects.
anticoagulants, aspirin, NSAIDs may cause bleeding.
Diuretics increase the risk of lowlevels of blood sodium.
Tramadol increases the danger of convulsions.
H1 antagonists or cyclobenzaprine may provoke heart problems/
HIV protease inhibitors highten the danger of side effects of Sarafem.Effectiveness of Sarafem may be heightened by cyproheptadine.
The risk of side effects of flecainide, haloperidol, hydantoins, lithium, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, aripiprazole, benzodiazepines, beta-inhibitors, carbamazepine, clozapine, dextromethorphan, digoxin tricyclic antidepressants, vinblastine, phenothiazines, pimozide, propafenone, risperidone may be provoked by Sarafem.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects may include dizziness; upset stomach; insomnia; weakness; confusion; tiredness; mood/mental changes; severe headache; ; drowsiness; appetite loss; nausea; nervousness; trouble sleeping; irritation; low sexual ability; diarrhea; dizziness.
Ask for medical attention immediately in case any of these serious side effects take place:
serious allergic reactions (chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash; hives; difficulty breathing); feet/legs swelling; rapid gain of weight/ weight loss; weakness; fever; body discomfort; headache; loss of appetite; dizziness; high eye pressure; pain in joint/muscle; sore throat; nausea; changed stools; menstrual periods changes; convulsions; depression; diarrhea; vomiting; depression (worsening or new).
More Information
Sarafem should be taken only by those patients for whom it is prescribed. You should not give it to others.
If your symptoms become worse and do not improve, contact your doctor.
Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using Sarafem.