IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not
be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug.
USES: This medication is
used to treat depression, obsessive- compulsive disorders,
and bed-wetting in children over 6 years of age (enuresis).
OTHER USES: This medication
may also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia),
and has other uses as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Use this as prescribed.
Try to use each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember
to routinely use it. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full
benefit of this medication becomes apparent. Do not stop using
this medication without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache
or fatigue can occur if the drug is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness,
dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. May
initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising
too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Other side effects
include heartburn, loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste
in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If any side effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: chest
pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating,
nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive drowsiness, uncoordinated
movements, fainting. Taking this medication at bedtime may
help minimize side effects. Talk to your doctor about this.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using
this drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: glaucoma, prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid
disease, breathing problems, seizure problems, alcohol use,
heart disease, mental/emotional problems, liver or kidney
disease, any drug allergies. Use caution when engaging in
tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery.
Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness
and dizziness effects of this drug. Limit exposure to hot
weather as it may lead to heat stroke. Caution is advised
when using this drug in the elderly, because they may be more
sensitive to the effects of the drug (e.g., confusion may
occur or worsen). This drug should be used during pregnancy
only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. The
effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform
your doctor about the medicines you take, especially if you
take: clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine),
cimetidine, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), warfarin,
carbamazepine, certain diet pills (e.g., phentermine, fenfluramine),
adrenaline-type drugs (e.g., dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine,
pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, isoproterenol- some of which
may be found in cough-and-cold or asthma products), narcotic
pain medications (e.g., codeine), cisapride, St John's wort,
any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms ofoverdose may include agitation,
confusion, hallucinations, fever, irregular movement of the
eyes, seizures, change in amount of urine, dry mouth or nose,
constipation, large pupils, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing,
dizziness, unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow heartbeat,
or flushing..
NOTES: Do not allow anyone
else to use this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss
a dose and are taking more than 1 daily: do not take it if
it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you take it
once daily at bedtime, do not take it the following morning.
Call your doctor. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
