Sarafem

Common use

Sarafem is used to treat mood problems caused by monthly periods. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

Dosage and direction

Use Sarafem (fluoxetine capsules and tablets (PMDD)) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Take with or without food. Keep taking Sarafem (fluoxetine capsules and tablets (PMDD)) as you have been told by your doctor, even if you feel well.

Precautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Sarafem (fluoxetine capsules and tablets (PMDD)) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Contraindications

If you have an allergy to fluoxetine or any other part of Sarafem (fluoxetine capsules and tablets (PMDD)).
If you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid, methylene blue, pimozide, or thioridazine.
If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take Sarafem (fluoxetine capsules and tablets (PMDD)).
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Sarafem (fluoxetine capsules and tablets (PMDD)) affects you.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Sarafem (fluoxetine capsules and tablets (PMDD)).

Possible side effect

Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Upset stomach or throwing up; Not hungry; Diarrhea; Dry mouth; Feeling sleepy; Strange or odd dreams; Trouble sleeping; Feeling tired or weak; Flu-like signs; Yawning; Hot flashes; Feeling nervous and excitable; Shakiness; Sweating a lot; Headache.

Drug interaction

If you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid, methylene blue, pimozide, or thioridazine.
If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.

Missed dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.