Sarafem

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Serafem (Fluoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or bulimia.

Fluoxetine

Brand Names: Prozac, Serafem

Serafem Description

Fluoxetine (Prozac, Serafem) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or bulimia. Fluoxetine is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), symptoms of which occur in the week or two before a woman's menstrual period and commonly include irritability, mood swings, and tension as well as the physical symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness. Prozac, Serafem is also approved to treat panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.

Serafem Pharmacology The antidepressant, antiobsessive-compulsive, and antibulimic actions of fluoxetine (Prozac, Serafem) are presumed to be linked to its inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin. Studies at clinically relevant doses in man have demonstrated that fluoxetine blocks the uptake of serotonin into human platelets. Studies in animals also suggest that fluoxetine is a much more potent uptake inhibitor of serotonin than of norepinephrine.

In humans, following a single oral 40 mg dose, peak plasma concentrations of fluoxetine from 15 to 55 ng/ mL are observed after 6 to 8 hours.

Sometimes fluoxetine must be taken for up to 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time.

Serafem Indications and Usage

Serafem is indicated for the treatment of depression.

Serafem is indicated for the treatment of obsessions and compulsions in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Bulimia Nervosa -- Serafem is indicated for the treatment of binge-eating and vomiting behaviors in patients with moderate to severe bulimia nervosa.

Contraindications

Serafem is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to it.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: There have been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions (including hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma) in patients receiving fluoxetine in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and in patients who have recently discontinued fluoxetine and are then started on an MAOI. Some cases presented with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Therefore, Prozac, Serafem should not be used in combination with an MAOI, or within a minimum of 14 days of discontinuing therapy with an MAOI.

In addition, at least 5 weeks, perhaps longer, should be allowed after stopping Prozac, Serafem before starting an MAOI.

Warnings Rash and Possibly Allergic Events: In US fluoxetine clinical trials, 7% of 10,782 patients developed various types of rashes and/ or urticaria. Among the cases of rash and/ or urticaria reported in premarketing clinical trials, almost a third were withdrawn from treatment because of the rash and/ or systemic signs or symptoms associated with the rash. Clinical findings reported in association with rash include fever, leukocytosis, arthralgias, edema, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, symphadenopathy, proteinuria, and mild transaminase elevation. Most patients improved promptly with discontinuation of fluoxetine and/ or adjunctive treatment with antihistamines or steroids, and all patients experiencing these events were reported to recover completely.

In premarketing clinical trials, 2 patients are known to have developed a serious cutaneous systemic illness. In neither patient was there an unequivocal diagnosis, but 1 was considered to have a leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and the other, a severe desquamating syndrome that was considered variously to be a vasculitis or erythema multiforme. Other patients have had systemic syndromes suggestive of serum sickness.

Since the introduction of Prozac, Serafem, systemic events, possibly related to vasculitis, have developed in patients with rash. Although these events are rare, they may be serious, involving the lung, kidney, or liver. Death has been reported to occur in association with these systemic events.

Anaphylactoid events, including bronchospasm, angioedema, and urticaria alone and in combination, have been reported.

Pulmonary events, including inflammatory processes of varying histopathology and/ or fibrosis, have been reported rarely. These events have occurred with dyspnea as the only preceding symptom.

Whether these systemic events and rash have a common underlying cause or are due to different etiologies or pathogenic processes is not known. Furthermore, a specific underlying immunologic basis for these events has not been identified.

Upon the appearance of rash or of other possibly allergic phenomena for which an alternative etiology cannot be identified, Prozac, Serafem should be discontinued.

Serafem Precautions

Anxiety and Insomnia: In clinical trials for depression, 12% to 16% of patients treated with Prozac, Serafem reported anxiety, nervousness, or insomnia.

For obsessive-compulsive disorder, insomnia was reported in 28% of patients treated with Prozac, Serafem. Anxiety was reported in 14% of patients treated with Prozac, Serafem.

For bulimia nervosa, insomnia was reported in 33% of patients treated with Prozac, Serafem. Anxiety and nervousness were reported respectively in 15% and 11% of patients treated with Prozac, Serafem.

Altered Appetite and Weight: Significant weight loss, especially in underweight depressed or bulimic patients may be an undesirable result of treatment with Prozac, Serafem.

Fluoxetine should be given with caution to patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and only if the expected benefits (e.g., co-morbid depression) markedly outweigh the potential weight reducing effect of the drug.

Activation of Mania/ Hypomania: In US clinical trials for depression, mania/ hypomania was reported in 0.1% of patients treated with Prozac, Serafem.

Seizures: Fluoxetine should be used with caution in patients with a history of convulsive disorders.

Suicide: The possibility of a suicide attempt is inherent in depression and may persist until significant remission occurs. Close supervision of high risk patients should accompany initial drug therapy. Prescriptions for Prozac, Serafem should be written for the smallest quantity of capsules consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose.

Because of well- established comorbidity between both OCD and depression and bulimia and depression, the same precautions observed when treating patients with depression should be observed when treating patients with OCD or bulimia.

Use in Patients With Concomitant Illness: Clinical experience with Prozac, Serafem in patients with concomitant systemic illness is limited. Caution is advisable in using Prozac, Serafem in patients with diseases or conditions that could affect metabolism or hemodynamic responses.

Cardiovascular: Fluoxetine has not been evaluated or used to any appreciable extent in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease.

Liver: A lower or less frequent dose should be used in patients with cirrhosis.

Diabetics: In patients with diabetes, Prozac, Serafem may alter glycemic control. Hypoglycemia has occurred during therapy with Prozac, Serafem, and hyperglycemia has developed following discontinuation of the drug. As is true with many other types of medication when taken concurrently by patients with diabetes, insulin and/ or oral hypoglycemic dosage may need to be adjusted when therapy with Prozac, Serafem is instituted or discontinued.

Pregnancy & Nursing: The effect of Prozac, Serafem on labor and delivery in humans is unknown. However, because fluoxetine crosses the placenta and because of the possibility that fluoxetine may have adverse effects on the newborn, fluoxetine should be used during labor and delivery only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Because Prozac, Serafem is excreted in human milk, nursing while on Prozac, Serafem is not recommended.

Interference with Cognitive or Motor Performance: Any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, and patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that the drug treatment does not affect them adversely.

Serafem Drug Interactions

As with all drugs, the potential for interaction by a variety of mechanisms (eg, pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic drug inhibition or enhancement, etc) is a possibility.

Do not use fluoxetine and MAO inhibitors at the same time.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. This includes cyproheptadine, lithium, dextromethorphan, selegiline, and medicines used to treat high blood pressure, seizures, and depression. Using these medicines in combination with Prozac, Serafem can produce an adverse reaction.

Antipsychotics: Some clinical data suggests a possible pharmacodynamic and/ or pharmacokinetic interaction between serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antipsychotics. Elevation of blood levels of haloperidol and clozapine has been observed in patients receiving concomitant fluoxetine. A single case report has suggested possible additive effects of pimozide and fluoxetine leading to bradycardia.

Anticonvulsants: Patients on stable doses of phenytoin and carbamazepine have developed elevated plasma anticonvulsant concentrations and clinical anticonvulsant toxicity following initiation of concomitant fluoxetine treatment.

Five patients receiving fluoxetine in combination with tryptophan experienced adverse reactions, including agitation, restlessness and gastrointestinal distress.

Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Adverse Reactions

Side Effects That Should Be Reported To Your Doctor: Characterized as less common- Chills or fever; joint or muscle pain; skin rash, hives, or itching; trouble in breathing.

Characterized as rare- Burning or tingling in fingers, hands, or arms; convulsions (seizures); signs of low blood sugar, including anxiety or nervousness, cold sweats, confusion, cool pale skin, difficulty in concentration, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, shakiness or unsteady walk, or unusual tiredness or weakness; swelling of feet or lower legs; swollen glands; talking, feeling, and acting with excitement and activity you cannot control.

Side Effects That Usually Do Not Require Immediate Medical Attention

In clinical trials, the most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of fluoxetine include nervousness, trouble sleeping, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle spasms, or changes in sexual function. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Other less common side effects- Abnormal dreams; change in taste; changes in vision; chest pain; constipation; cough; decrease in concentration; fast or irregular heartbeat; feeling of warmth or heat; flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck; frequent urination; increased appetite; menstrual pain; stomach cramps, gas, or pain; stuffy nose; tiredness or weakness; tremor.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of overdose of Prozac, Serafem may include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and restlessness.

Treatment
If you or someone you know may have used more than the recommended dose of this medicine, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Establish and maintain an airway; ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Activated charcoal, which may be used with sorbitol, may be as or more effective than emesis or lavage, and should be considered in treating overdose. Cardiac and vital signs monitoring is recommended, along with general symptomatic and supportive measures. There are no specific antidotes for Prozac, Serafem.

In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement.

Dosage

As with other antidepressants, the full antidepressant effect of Prozac, Serafem may be delayed until 4 weeks of treatment or longer.

At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of therapy with Prozac, Serafem. In addition, at least 5 weeks, perhaps longer, should be allowed after stopping Prozac, Serafem before starting an MAOI.

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Continue to take this medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop without checking with your doctor.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.

Additional Information: Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Depression:

Adults: The recommended initial dosage is 20 mg administered once daily in the morning. A gradual dose increase should be considered only after a trial period of several weeks if the expected clinical improvement does not occur.

Bulimia Nervosa:

Adults: The recommended dosage is 60 mg/day, although studies show that lower doses may also be efficacious. Electrolyte levels should be assessed prior to initiation of treatment.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:

Adults: A dose range of 20 mg/day to 60 mg/day is recommended.

For all indications, the total Prozac, Serafem dosage should not exceed a maximum of 80 mg/day.

Maintenance/ Continuation/ Extended Treatment: It is generally agreed that acute episodes of depression require several months or longer of sustained pharmacologic therapy.

While there are no systematic studies that answer the question of how long to continue Prozac, Serafem, bulimia and ocd are chronic conditions and it is reasonable to consider continuation for a responding patient.