Sarafem: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredientin Sarafem is Fluoxetine HCl.Sarafem belongs to the family of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) that block the movement of the neurotransmitter (chemical messengers) serotonin into nerve endings. Sarafem is given to treat depression that lasts for over 2 weeks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, anorexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, migraine and chronic headaches, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and social phobias. Serotonin is believed to govern moods and is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the nerve endings. SSRIs such as Sarafem slow this process, thus boosting the levels of serotonin in the brain. It usually takes about 28 days for Sarafem to start working.

SARAFEM SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Sarafem may include suicidal thoughts, headaches, decreased sex drive, agitation, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty with ejaculation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, upset stomach, appetite loss, insomnia, rash, sleepiness, and vomiting. Rare side effects of Sarafem may include impotence, acne, abnormal dreams, low concentration, allergic reaction, hair loss, back pain, blindness, breast development in males, breast pain or enlargement, breathing difficulties, cataracts, chest pain, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, hot flushes, inflammation of the penis, throbbing heartbeat, vaginal inflammation, hemorrhage, and urinary pain.


SARAFEM WARNING

Unless the condition is significantly improved, possibility of suicide while taking Sarafem exists especially in severely depressed patients.

Sarafem is not recommended for children and teens as it could increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

If you have a kidney or liver disorder, or have had seizures, your physician may limit your dosage. Caution is advised.

Sarafem may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Use caution until you know how the Sarafem affects you.
SARAFEM CAUTION

Do not take Sarafem within 2 weeks of taking any drug classified as an MAO inhibitor. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur.

SSRIs like Sarafem should be used with caution by people with seizures.

Do not combine Sarafem with herbs like St.John's Wort, Kava, Hop, or Ginseng.

SARAFEM AND PREGNANCY

Pregnant women using SSRIs like Sarafem are more likely to deliver prematurely or going to have babies with major abnormalities.

Sarafem pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feeding while Sarafem.

SARAFEM INTERACTION

There should be an interval of 2 weeks between stopping Sarafem and starting an MAOI antidepressant.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Sarafem. Use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Aleve with caution.

Do not combine Sarafem with herbs like St.John's Wort, Kava, Hop, or Ginseng.

It is imperative to check with your physician before combining Sarafem with the following:

Blood thinners
Cimetidine
Crystodigin
Flecainide
Imitrex
Lithium
MAO inhibitor drugs
Other serotonin-boosting drugs
Other antidepressants
Propafenone
Sumatriptan
Tolbutamide
Valium
Warfarin

SARAFEM DOSES

ADULTS
The usual starting dose is 20-80mg a day, or a single 90 mg weekly;taken either in the morning or in the evening.

Seniors and people with liver or kidney condition may need a lower dose.

CHILDREN

10-60mg/day. Sarafem is not recommended for children under 8.
SARAFEM OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Sarafem overdose include seizures, nausea, agitation, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, coma, fainting, mania, and high or low blood pressure.

In case of a Sarafem overdose, seek medical attention right away.

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