Sarafem

Drug Uses

 

Sarafem is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) which is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.

 

How it is taken

Sarfarem can be taken by mouth with or without food to avoid an upset stomach. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop without consulting your doctor or it may lead to symptoms like mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Sarafem is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that restores the balance of serotonin, a mood enhancing chemical, in the brain.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Sarfarem then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

 

 

Warnings/Precautions

 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse, if you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, diabetes, or metabolism problems, if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol, if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

 

may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days, you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), an H1 antagonist (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), nefazodone, pimozide, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (eg, venlafaxine), sibutramine, thioridazine, or tryptophan.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Sarfarem and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Sarfarem is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, venlafaxine, St. John's wort, trazodone, or tryptophan because it may lead to side effects like fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma.

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because it increases the chance of stomach bleeding or ulcers.

Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because it increases the chances of low blood sodium levels.

Tramadol because it enhances the chance of seizures.

Cyclobenzaprine or H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine) because they may cause severe heart problems.

HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir)  because it increases the chance of its side effects

Cyproheptadine because it decreases its effectiveness

Aripiprazole, benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), carbamazepine, clozapine, dextromethorphan, digoxin, flecainide, haloperidol, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, atomoxetine), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), pimozide, propafenone, risperidone, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or vinblastine because Safarem increases the chances of its side effects.
 

 

Possible Side Effects

 

 

Some of the common side effects of are Anxiety, decreased sexual desire or ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, weakness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

 

Other severe side effects include Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bizarre behavior, black or bloody stools, chest pain, confusion, exaggerated reflexes, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat, hallucinations, increased urination, joint or wrist aches or pain, loss of coordination, new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still, persistent or severe ringing in the ears,persistent, painful erection, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping, significant weight loss, stomach pain, suicidal thoughts or attempts, tremor, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual hoarseness, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, unusual swelling, vision changes, worsening of depression.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.