| | Medication Information:
Fluvoxamine (generic) ~ Luvox (brand) Classification: Antidepressant
Common Usage: Major depression CommonMajor Side Effects: Headache, drowsiness*, dry mouth, nausea* and upset
stomach, dizziness*, blurred or abnormal vision*, sexual dysfunction,
lightheadedness, confusion*, constipation*, loss of strength and energy and
fainting from a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing from a sitting or
lying position. This is not a complete list of all known or potential
adverse effects. Notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any symptoms that
concern you that have started since you began taking this medication, or if you
have changed the dose, or added or changed other medication.
*Denotes those
side effects that may become more pronounced with higher doses of nefazodone. Interactions with Other Medications: As with other antidepressants,
avoidance of alcohol is best. Serious and possibly fatal reactions could
occur while taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine
(Nardil) or tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate) with nefazodone. Patients
who have stopped taking an MAOI must wait at least two weeks before starting
nefazodone. Patients who have stopped taking nefazodone must wait one week
before starting an MAOI. Similar "washout" periods may be necessary when
switching from nefazodone to another antidepressant, or vice versa.
Nefazodone should also not be taken with triazolam (Halcion) or alprazolam
(Xanax), especially in elderly patients, where interaction may cause serious
impairment in thinking and movement. Terfenadine (Seldane), astemizole
(Hismanal) and cisapride (Propulsid) are also not recommended for use with
nefazodone, due to possibly of negative side effects in the heart.
Over-the-counter drugs for allergies, cold and flu (decongestants and
antihistamines) may increase the severity of some side effects, especially cough
suppressants containing dextromethorphan ("DM"), which can cause serious and
possibly life-threatening reactions when taken with Serzone. The same
reaction - known as serotonin syndrome - which may include a high fever, mania,
muscle stiffness, hallucinations, etc., may occur with tramadol (Ultram),
meperidine (Demerol) or codeine. Products or foods containing large
amounts of tryptophan (diets high in poultry, dairy products or protein powders)
are not recommended and may cause severe headache, nausea, sweating and
dizziness. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) may possibly have the same reaction;
however, available studies have not been able to produce consistent results.
This is not a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions.
To help prevent avoidable problems, always make sure your pharmacist and all
prescribers know all of the medications you are taking. This includes
over-the-counter drugs and any dietary or herbal supplements or medications. CommonDosages: The recommended starting dose is 100 mg twice daily. If
necessary, doses can be increased gradually (intervals not to be less than a
week from starting does) to an interval between 150 mg and 300 mg. For
elderly patients, ages 65 and older, the starting dose should be 50 mg twice
daily, with a maintenance range between 50 and 200 mg twice daily. As with
other antidepressants, it may take several weeks of therapy before improvement
may be noticeable. Notify your prescriber or a pharmacist if you change
your dose or discontinue this medication for any reason. Identification: All tablets are hexagonal-shaped (six-sided), and have
the imprint "BMS" with the strength on one side and NDC code on the other:
100 mg: White (scored on both sides of tablet)
150 mg: Peach (scored on both sides of tablet)
200 mg: Light yellow (non-scored)
250 mg: White (non-scored) Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by
Stephen R. Saklad Pharm.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. |
