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Sarafem |
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What is Sarafem and why is it prescribed? Sarafem is prescribed for the treatment of depression. It is also prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sarafem is also used in the treatment of bulimia. It has also been used to treat other eating disorders and obesity. The active ingredient in Sarafem is also prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), formerly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Sarafem is a member of the family of drugs called "selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors." Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Sarafem slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain. Serious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been known to occur when Sarafem is used in combination with other antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate, and when Sarafem is discontinued and an MAO inhibitor is started. Never take Sarafem with one of these drugs or within at least 14 days of discontinuing therapy with one of them. Allow 5 weeks or more between stopping Sarafem and starting an MAO inhibitor. Be especially cautious if you have been taking Sarafem in high doses or for a long time. If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs, notify your doctor before taking Sarafem. How should you take Sarafem? Follow your doctors directions for taking Sarafem. Sarafem usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, Sarafem should be taken regularly. Make a habit of taking Sarafem at the same time you do some other daily activity. It may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from your depression, but Sarafem's effects should last about 9 months after a 3-month treatment regimen. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take 5 weeks to appear. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed, skip the dose. Never take two doses at once. Store Sarafem at room temperature. Are there any Sarafem side effects? Sarafem side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Sarafem side effects may include abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, anxiety, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sinusitis, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, and yawning. Less common Sarafem side effects may include abnormal taste, agitation, bleeding problems, chills, confusion, ear pain, emotional instability, fever, frequent urination, high blood pressure, increased appetite, loss of memory, palpitations, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders, and weight gain. A wide variety of other very rare reactions have been reported during Sarafem therapy. If you develop any new or unexplained symptoms, tell your doctor without delay. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Sarafem? If Sarafem 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. Combining Sarafem with MAO inhibitors is dangerous. Do not drink alcohol while taking Sarafem. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sarafem with Alprazolam (Xanax), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Clozapine (Clozaril), Diazepam (Valium), Digitoxin (Crystodigin), Drugs that impair brain function (such as sleep aids and narcotic painkillers), Flecainide (Tambocor), Haloperidol (Haldol), Lithium (Eskalith), Other antidepressants (Elavil), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Pimozide (Orap), Tryptophan, Vinblastine (Velban), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Sarafem? Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take Sarafem if you are recovering from a heart attack or if you have liver disease or diabetes. Sarafem may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. While taking Sarafem, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor. If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Sarafem, discontinue use of Sarafem and notify your doctor immediately. Sarafem should be used with caution if you have a history of seizures. You should discuss all of your medical conditions with your doctor before taking Sarafem. The safety and effectiveness of Sarafem has not been established in children. |
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