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Equanil |
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What is Equanil and why is it prescribed? Equanil is a tranquilizer used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Equanil can be habit-forming. You can develop tolerance and dependence, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Equanil abruptly. Discontinue this drug or change your dose only on your doctor's advice. How should you take Equanil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Equanil. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Equanil at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Are there any Equanil side effects? Equanil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Equanil side effects may include allergic reactions, blood disorders, bruises, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, exaggerated feeling of well-being, fainting, fast throbbing heartbeat, fever, headache, inappropriate excitement, itchy rash, loss of muscle coordination, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, skin eruptions, slurred speech, small, purplish spots on the skin, sudden severe drop in blood pressure, swelling due to fluid retention, tingling sensation or numbness, vertigo, vision problems, vomiting, and weakness. Less common or rare Equanil side effects may include breathing difficulty, chills, high fever, inflammation of mouth, inflammation of the rectum, little or no urine, redness and swelling of skin, severe allergic reaction, skin inflammation and flaking, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Side effects due to rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Equanil include anxiety, confusion, convulsions, hallucinations, inability to fall or stay asleep, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, muscle twitching, tremors, and vomiting. Withdrawal symptoms usually become apparent within 12 to 48 hours after discontinuation of Equanil and should disappear in another 12 to 48 hours. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Equanil? If Equanil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Equanil may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Equanil with mood-altering drugs and central nervous system depressants such as Antidepressant drugs (such as Elavil, Nardil, and Tofranil), Barbiturates (such as Seconal and phenobarbital), Major tranquilizers (such as Thorazine and Mellaril), Narcotics (such as Percocet or Demerol), and Tranquilizers (such as Halcion, Restoril, and Valium). Are there any special warnings about Equanil? If you develop a skin rash, sore throat, fever, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately. You may be having an allergic reaction to Equanil. Equanil may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. Long-term use of Equanil should be evaluated by your doctor periodically for its usefulness. If you have liver or kidney disorders, make sure your doctor is aware of these conditions before you begin using this medication. If you have epilepsy, use of Equanil may bring on seizures. Consult your doctor before taking it. |
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