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Serentil |
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What is Serentil and why is it prescribed? Serentil is prescribed to treat schizophrenia. Because of its dangerous side effects, Serentil is recommended only after at least two other drugs have failed to provide relief. Serentil may cause dangerous and even fatal cardiac irregularities by prolonging a part of the heartbeat known as the QT interval. The likelihood of such irregularities increases when Serentil is combined with other medications known to prolong the QT interval, such as the heart medications Cordarone, Inderal, Quinaglute, Quinidex, and Rythmol. Never combine these drugs with Serentil, and check with your doctor before taking any other new medications. Symptoms of a possible heart irregularity include palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. How should you take Serentil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Serentil. If you are taking Serentil in a liquid concentrate form, you can dilute it with distilled water, orange juice, or grape juice just before swallowing it. If Serentil is given by injection, you should remain lying down for at least one-half hour after the injection. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Serentil at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect Serentil from light. Are there any Serentil side effects? Serentil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common Serentil side effects include drowsiness and low blood pressure. Other Serentil side effects may include abnormal posture, abnormal secretion of milk, agitation, allergic reaction, asthma, blood problems, blurred vision, breast development in men, changes in sex drive, confusion, constipation, disturbing dreams, dizziness, dry mouth, ejaculation problems, enlarged tongue, excitement, eye spasms, fainting, false positive pregnancy tests, fluid accumulation and swelling, high fever, heartbeat irregularities, hyperactivity, impotence, inability to urinate, intestinal blockage, involuntary urination, itching, large hives, light sensitivity, lockjaw, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, loss of muscle movement, Lupus-like symptoms, menstrual irregularities, muscle rigidity, muscle spasms, narrowed pupils, nausea, painful erections, Parkinson-like symptoms, pigmentation changes in skin and eyes, psychotic reactions, rash, restlessness, skin inflammation and peeling, slurring, strange dreams, stuffy nose, tardive dyskinesia, throat swelling, tremor, twisted neck, vomiting, weakness, weight gain, whole body spasms, and yellowed skin and whites of eyes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Serentil? If Serentil 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. Remember that Serentil must never be combined with alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics. It's also best to avoid combining it with other drugs prescribed for schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, or with the spasm-quelling drug atropine (Donnatal). Be careful, too, to avoid exposure to phosphorus insecticides. Are there any special warnings about Serentil? Before using Serentil, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems. The doctor will perform tests to check the health of your heart before prescribing this medication. Serentil can cause tardive dyskinesia. This condition may be permanent and appears to be most common among older adults, especially older women. Ask your doctor for more information about this possible risk. Drugs such as Serentil can cause a potentially fatal condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, rigid muscles, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, and changes in heart rhythm. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Serentil therapy should be discontinued. This type of drug can cause vision problems. Tell your doctor if you have a change in your vision while taking this medication. Serentil may impair your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness until you are sure of your reaction to this drug. Serentil should be used with caution if you have ever had breast cancer. The drug stimulates production of a hormone that promotes the growth of certain types of tumors. Serentil may cause a condition called agranulocytosis, a dangerous drop in the number of certain kinds of white blood cells. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, sore throat, and weakness. |
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