What is Fetzima?
Fetzima (a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibition antidepressant) is a SNRI. Levomilnacipran works by affecting chemicals in the brain, which may be out of balance in depression patients. Fetzima capsules with extended release are used for the treatment of major depression disorders. Milnacipran, also known as Savella, is used to treat fibromyalgia. Fetzima should not be prescribed to treat fibromyalgia.
Warnings
Fetzima should not be used if your narrow-angle glaucoma is untreated or uncontrolled. Fetzima should not be used within 7 days of taking an MAO-inhibitor, such as linezolid or isocarboxazid. Suicidal thoughts can occur in people with mental illness or depression. When first taking depression medication, some young people experience increased suicidal feelings. Should you experience sudden changes in mood or behavior or experience thoughts of suicide, inform your physician as soon as possible.Serotonin syndrome symptoms include: hallucinations and agitation; fever, sweating, or shivering; rapid heartbeat; muscle stiffness or twitching; and loss of coordination. Consult your doctor before stopping Fetzima.Fetzima cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
Before you take this drug
Fetzima should not be used if you have an allergy to milnacipran, levomilnacipran, or Savella. Fetzima should not be taken within 14 days of taking an MAO inhibitor or 7 days prior to it. An accidental drug interaction could potentially arise.MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid and linezolid. Inform your doctor if any of these medicines are also being used. These include stimulant medications, opioids, herbal products, and medicine to treat depression, mental illnesses, Parkinson's, migraine headaches, or serious infections. A serious condition known as serotonin-induced syndrome could be caused by an interaction with levomilnacipran.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Fetzima will be safe for you:
- Glaucoma;
- Heart problems high blood pressure
- A stroke;
- Bleeding problems
- Urination problems
sexual problems - Kidney disease
- A seizure;
- Low levels of sodium in the blood
- bipolar disorder (manic depression);
- If there is a family history of depression, manic behavior, or suicide,
- Are you an alcohol consumer? If you're an excessive drinker of alcohol, here's some important advice for managing it responsibly:
Suicidal thoughts can occur in people with mental illness or depression. When first taking depression medication, some young people experience increased suicidal feelings. Be alert to any changes in your mood or symptoms. You and your family members should be on the lookout for any sudden changes in behavior. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor if it is safe to take this medication. Antidepressants that contain SNRIs can increase the risk of bleeding excessively after birth and cause medical complications for your baby. You may experience a depression relapse if you discontinue your antidepressant. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not start or stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor. Your name could appear on a pregnancy registry to track and assess levomilnacipran's effects during gestation. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding and taking Fetzima. if your child is agitated, irritable, or has difficulty feeding or gaining weight. Fetzima cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Fetzima?
Respect all directions on your prescription label and read through any accompanying medication guides or instruction sheets. Sometimes your physician may alter the dosage; make sure you read any relevant directions or directions that come with your medication. Fetzima can be taken with or without food. Do not open, crush, chew, or break the Fetzima capsule. You will need to check your blood pressure and heart rate often. Inform your doctor about any changes you experience in sexual function. Certain sexual problems are treatable. Do not stop taking Fetzima abruptly. You may experience unpleasant symptoms, such as agitation or confusion, tingling, or electric shock sensations. Before stopping your medication, consult with your doctor. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture to extend shelf life.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for depression:
Initial dose: orally, 20 mg once daily for two days. Then increase the dosage to 40 mg once daily.
Maintenance dose: 40–120 mg orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: 120 mg/day
Comments:
The dose can be increased by increments of up to 40 mg every 2 days or longer, depending on the effectiveness and tolerance.
In trials lasting five weeks, the efficacy of the drug was determined.
Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Dial 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poison exposure or seek immediate medical advice.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly. Before taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Advil, ibuprofen or naproxen (or similar nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medicines), consult your healthcare provider first. Combining an NSAID with levomilnacipran could increase bleeding or bruise easily. Avoid alcohol. Levomilnacipran levels may be raised by alcohol.
Side effects of Fetzima
If you experience any of the following: hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, Inform your doctor immediately if there are any sudden or new changes in mood, behavior, or feelings, such as anxiety or depression, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping. Also, tell them if you're feeling impulsive, agitated, hostile, aggressive, or restless.
If you experience:
- Eye redness, blurred vision, or tunnel vision
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under the skin
- If your heartbeat seems irregular or rapid, that could be an indicator that a cardiac arrest has taken place.
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Manic episode-racing thoughts; increased energy and decreased sleep needs; risk-taking behaviors; being agitated or talkative.
- Low salt level—headache; confusion, slurred words, severe weakness, nausea, feeling unsteady, and loss of coordination.
In older adults, serious side effects are more likely to occur. If you experience symptoms of serotonin disorder, including: hallucinations or agitation; fever, sweating, and shivering; rapid heartbeat; muscle stiffness and twitching; and loss of coordination,
Fetzima may cause side effects such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation;
- Heartbeat irregularities;
- Sweating;
- Reducing sexual drive often manifests itself through impotence or difficulty having an orgasm, among other signs.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for more information contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report adverse events.
Interaction with other drug
Fetzima can make you more drowsy. Before taking an opioid, a sleeping tablet, a muscle-relaxing medication, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including:
- Any other antidepressant
- Sibutramine;
- John's wort;
- tryptophan
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- A blood thinner (warfarin coumadin jantoven)
- Diet pills, stimulants, or medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), such as adderall, ritalin,
- Pain medication (fentanyl, tramadol);
- Medication to treat anxiety, mental illness, mood disorders, or thought disorders.
- Migraine headache medication includes sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, and other medications.
This list is incomplete. Levomilnacipran may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
