Selfemra

Generic Name: fluoxetine (floo OX e teen)
Brand Names: PROzac, PROzac Weekly, Rapiflux, Sarafem, Selfemra

What is Selfemra (fluoxetine)?

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressant. Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Fluoxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder) obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Fluoxetine is sometimes used together with another medication called olanzapine (Zyprexa) to treat depression caused by bipolar disorder (manic depression). This combination is also used to treat depression after at least 2 other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Fluoxetine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Selfemra (fluoxetine)? Do not take fluoxetine together with pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication. Fluoxetine may cause heart defects or serious lung problems in a newborn if you take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Do not start or stop taking fluoxetine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Selfemra (fluoxetine)? Do not take fluoxetine together with pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take fluoxetine. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before you can take thioridazine (Mellaril) or an MAOI. Tell your doctor about all other antidepressants you take, especially Celexa, Cymbalta, Desyrel, Effexor, Lexapro, Luvox, Oleptro, Paxil, Pexeva, Symbyax, Viibryd, or Zoloft.

To make sure you can safely take fluoxetine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

cirrhosis of the liver; kidney disease;

diabetes;

glaucoma;

seizures or epilepsy;

bipolar disorder (manic depression); or

a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication. Fluoxetine may cause heart defects or serious lung problems in a newborn if you take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Do not start or stop taking fluoxetine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Fluoxetine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give fluoxetine to anyone younger than 18 years old without a doctor's advice. How should I take Selfemra (fluoxetine)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. Do not stop using fluoxetine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using fluoxetine.

To treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the usual dose of fluoxetine is once daily while you are having your period, or 14 days before you expect your period to start. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If you miss a dose of Prozac Weekly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and take the next dose 7 days later. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled weekly dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, fever, sleepiness, rapid or uneven heartbeat, confusion, fainting, seizures, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Selfemra (fluoxetine)?

Avoid taking tryptophan while you are taking fluoxetine.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of fluoxetine. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Selfemra (fluoxetine) side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; or

headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops.

Less serious side effects may include:

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

drowsiness, dizziness, feeling nervous;

mild nausea, upset stomach, constipation;

increased appetite, weight changes;

sleep problems (insomnia);

decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or

dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Selfemra (fluoxetine)? Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by fluoxetine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines. Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others. Using an NSAID with fluoxetine may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using, especially:

any other antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), escitalopram (Lexapro), imipramine (Tofranil), sertraline (Zoloft), and others;

alprazolam (Xanax);

clopidogrel (Plavix);

clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo);

flecainide (Tambocor);

haloperidol (Haldol);

vinblastine (Velban);

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

migraine headache medicine such as almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or

seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with fluoxetine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Selfemra resources Selfemra Side Effects (in more detail) Selfemra Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Drug Images Selfemra Drug Interactions Selfemra Support Group 0 Reviews for Selfemra - Add your own review/rating Selfemra Prescribing Information (FDA) Selfemra Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information Fluoxetine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer) Fluoxetine Prescribing Information (FDA) Fluoxetine Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI) Prozac Consumer Overview Prozac Weekly Delayed-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer) Prozac Weekly Prescribing Information (FDA) Sarafem MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer) Sarafem Prescribing Information (FDA) Compare Selfemra with other medications Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluoxetine.

See also: Selfemra side effects (in more detail)

Read More:

Maxalt

Generic Name: rizatriptan (RYE za TRIP tan)
Brand Names: Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT

What is rizatriptan?

Rizatriptan is a headache medicine that narrows the blood vessels around the brain. Rizatriptan also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

Rizatriptan is used to treat migraine headaches. Rizatriptan will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

Rizatriptan should not be used to treat a common tension headache, a headache that causes loss of movement on one side of your body, or any headache that seems to be different from your usual migraine headaches. Use this medication only if your condition has been confirmed by a doctor as migraine headaches.

Rizatriptan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about rizatriptan? You should not take this medication if you are allergic to rizatriptan, if you have any history of heart disease, or if you have coronary heart disease, angina, blood circulation problems, lack of blood supply to the heart, uncontrolled high blood pressure, ischemic bowel disease, a history of a heart attack or stroke, or if your headache seems to be different from your usual migraine headaches. Do not take rizatriptan within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine, including almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet), zolmitriptan (Zomig), or ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), or methylergonovine (Methergine). Do not use rizatriptan if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the past 14 days.

Before taking rizatriptan, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder, or coronary heart disease (or risk factors such as diabetes, menopause, smoking, being overweight, having high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease, being older than 40 and a man, or being a woman who has had a hysterectomy).

Also tell your doctor if you are also taking an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro), venlafaxine (Effexor), or vilazodone (Viibryd).

Rizatriptan will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

After taking a rizatriptan tablet, you must wait two (2) hours before taking a second tablet. Do not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan in 24 hours.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using rizatriptan? You should not take this medication if you are allergic to rizatriptan, or if you have:

coronary heart disease, angina (chest pain), blood circulation problems, lack of blood supply to the heart;

a history of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, including "mini-stroke";

severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

ischemic bowel disease; or

a headache that seems different from your usual migraine headaches.

Do not take rizatriptan if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the past 14 days.

To make sure you can safely take rizatriptan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

liver disease; kidney disease (especially if you are on dialysis);

high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder; or

coronary heart disease (or risk factors such as diabetes, menopause, smoking, being overweight, having high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease, being older than 40 and a man, or being a woman who has had a hysterectomy).

Rizatriptan disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of rizatriptan if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rizatriptan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether rizatriptan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give a rizatriptan regular tablet to anyone under 18 years old. Only rizatriptan orally disintegrating tablets (Maxalt-MLT) are for use in children who are at least 6 years old. How should I use rizatriptan?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Overuse of migraine headache medicine can actually make your headaches worse.

Take rizatriptan as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or after an attack has already begun.

Your doctor may want to give your first dose of this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting to see if you have any serious side effects.

Take one rizatriptan tablet whole with a full glass of water.

To take rizatriptan orally disintegrating tablets (Maxalt-MLT):

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.

Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

After taking a tablet: If your headache does not completely go away, or goes away and comes back, take a second tablet two (2) hours after the first. Do not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan in 24 hours. If your symptoms have not improved, contact your doctor before taking any more tablets.

Contact your doctor if you have more than four headaches in one month (30 days).

If you use rizatriptan long-term, your doctor may want to check your heart function using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG), a machine that measures electrical activity of the heart. This will help your doctor determine if it is still safe for you to use this medication. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose?

Since rizatriptan is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor promptly if your symptoms do not improve after using rizatriptan.

After taking a rizatriptan tablet, you must wait two (2) hours before taking a second tablet. Do not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan in 24 hours.

What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose could cause high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, or seizure).

What should I avoid while using rizatriptan? Do not take rizatriptan within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine, including:

almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or

ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

Rizatriptan may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Rizatriptan side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using rizatriptan and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

feeling of pain or tightness in your jaw, neck, or throat;

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

sudden and severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea;

numbness or tingling and a pale or blue-colored appearance in your fingers or toes; or

(if you are also taking an antidepressant) -- agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild headache (not a migraine);

dry mouth, mild nausea;

pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body;

dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling; or

warmth, redness, or mild tingling under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect rizatriptan?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran); or

an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Rapiflux, Sarafem, Selfemra, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro), venlafaxine (Effexor), or vilazodone (Viibryd).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with rizatriptan. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Maxalt resources Maxalt Side Effects (in more detail)Maxalt Use in Pregnancy & BreastfeedingDrug ImagesMaxalt Drug InteractionsMaxalt Support Group46 Reviews for Maxalt - Add your own review/rating Maxalt Monograph (AHFS DI) Maxalt Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information Maxalt Consumer Overview Maxalt MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer) Maxalt Prescribing Information (FDA) Maxalt-MLT Orally Disintegrating Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer) Compare Maxalt with other medications Migraine Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist can provide more information about rizatriptan.

See also: Maxalt side effects (in more detail)

Read More:

Cerebyx

Generic Name: fosphenytoin (fos FEN i toyn)
Brand Names: Cerebyx

What is Cerebyx (fosphenytoin)?

Fosphenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

Fosphenytoin is used to prevent or control seizures. Fosphenytoin is used only for a short time when other forms of phenytoin cannot be given.

Fosphenytoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Cerebyx (fosphenytoin)? You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fosphenytoin or phenytoin (Dilantin) or if you have certain serious heart conditions such as slow heartbeats, heart block, AV block, or Adams-Stokes syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder). Fosphenytoin should not be used together with delavirdine (Rescriptor).

Before receiving fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, porphyria, diabetes, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

If possible before you receive fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Fosphenytoin may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. If you become pregnant while using fosphenytoin, DO NOT STOP USING the medicine without your doctor's advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using fosphenytoin.

If you have received fosphenytoin during pregnancy, be sure to tell the doctor who delivers your baby about your fosphenytoin use. Both you and the baby may need to receive medications to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery and just after birth.

There are many other medicines that can interact with fosphenytoin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive Cerebyx (fosphenytoin)? You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fosphenytoin or phenytoin (Dilantin) or if you have certain serious heart conditions such as slow heartbeats, heart block, AV block, or Adams-Stokes syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder). Fosphenytoin should not be used together with delavirdine (Rescriptor).

To make sure you can safely receive fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

heart disease;

kidney or liver disease;

diabetes;

low blood pressure;

porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or

if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Patients of Asian ancestry may have a higher risk of developing a rare but serious skin reaction to fosphenytoin. Your doctor may recommend a blood test before you start the medication to determine your risk of this skin reaction.

FDA pregnancy category D. If possible before you receive fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Fosphenytoin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using fosphenytoin. Fosphenytoin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while receiving fosphenytoin. If you become pregnant while using fosphenytoin, DO NOT STOP USING the medicine without your doctor's advice. Although fosphenytoin may harm an unborn baby, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy. The benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using fosphenytoin. Follow your doctor's instructions about using fosphenytoin while you are pregnant.

If you have received fosphenytoin during pregnancy, be sure to tell the doctor who delivers your baby about your fosphenytoin use. Both you and the baby may need to receive medications to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery and just after birth.

It is not known whether fosphenytoin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using fosphenytoin. How is fosphenytoin given?

Fosphenytoin is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving fosphenytoin in a clinic or hospital setting. Your heart function may also need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). You will be watched closely for at least 20 minutes after receiving fosphenytoin, to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects.

Use a disposable needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not stop using fosphenytoin without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using fosphenytoin suddenly without medical advice.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using fosphenytoin.

Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

Do not use fosphenytoin if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of fosphenytoin.

What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of fosphenytoin can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include weakness, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, chest pain, fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

What should I avoid while using Cerebyx (fosphenytoin)? Avoid drinking alcohol while you are receiving fosphenytoin. Alcohol use can increase your blood levels of fosphenytoin and may increase side effects. Daily alcohol use can decrease your blood levels of fosphenytoin, which can increase your risk of seizures. Cerebyx (fosphenytoin) side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe burning, itching, swelling, redness, or skin discoloration anywhere in the body;

problems with vision or speech;

feeling like you might pass out;

chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath;

fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms;

skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;

new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing;

upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or

severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

constipation, mild nausea, dry mouth;

headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

mild itching or tingly feeling;

tremor, muscle weakness, loss of coordination;

ringing in your ears; or

pain in your hips or back.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Cerebyx (fosphenytoin)?

Drugs that can increase fosphenytoin levels in your blood include:

amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);

disulfiram (Antabuse);

fluorouracil (5FU, Adrucil);

ethosuximide (Zarontin);

isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);

methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana);

tolbutamide (Orinase);

birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro), promethazine (Pentazine, Phenergan, Anergan, Antinaus), thioridazine (Mellaril), and other phenothiazines;

phenobarbital (Solfoton) or other barbiturates;

salicylates such as aspirin, Backache Relief Extra Strength, Novasal, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Doan's Pills Extra Strength, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, and others;

stomach acid reducers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), or nizatidine (Axid);

certain sedatives (such as Librium, Librax, Limbitrol, or Valium) or antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Rapiflux, Sarafem, Selfemra, Symbyax) or trazodone (Desyrel); or

sulfa drugs (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP, and others).

Drugs that can make fosphenytoin less effective in controlling seizures include:

reserpine; or

carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol).

Other drugs that can interact with fosphenytoin include:

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);

furosemide (Lasix);

steroid medications (prednisone and others);

theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid, Theolair, Uniphyl);

valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex sodium (Depakote);

an antibiotic such as rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifamate) or doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin, Adoxa, and others); or

an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), doxepin (Sinequan, Silenor), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others.

This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with fosphenytoin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without your doctor's advice. More Cerebyx resources Cerebyx Side Effects (in more detail) Cerebyx Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Cerebyx Drug Interactions Cerebyx Support Group 0 Reviews for Cerebyx - Add your own review/rating Cerebyx Prescribing Information (FDA) Cerebyx MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer) Cerebyx Monograph (AHFS DI) Cerebyx Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information Fosphenytoin Prescribing Information (FDA) Fosphenytoin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer) Compare Cerebyx with other medications Epilepsy Status Epilepticus Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist can provide more information about fosphenytoin.

See also: Cerebyx side effects (in more detail)

Read More:

Cerebyx

---