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Valium (diazepam)

admin — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:25:41 +0000

VALIUM® ROCHE® (diazepam)

Tablets 5 mg, 10 mg

THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION

ACTIONS AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

‘Valium’ (diazepam) is an anxiolytic-sedative drug useful in the symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension states. It has also adjunctive value in the relief of certain neurospastic conditions.

ABSORPTION:

Diazepam is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, peak plasma concentrations appearing 30-90 minutes after oral ingestion.

DISTRIBUTION:

Diazepam and its metabolites are highly bound to plasma proteins (diazepam 98%). The volume of distribution at steady state is 0.8-1.0 L/kg. In humans, comparable blood levels of ‘Valium’ were obtained in maternal and cord blood indicating placental transfer of the drug.

METABOLISM:

Diazepam is mainly metabolized to the pharmacologically active metabolites such as N-desmethyldiazepam, temazepam and oxazepam.

ELIMINATION:

The acute half-life is six to eight hours with a slower decline thereafter (half-life up to 48 hours). The terminal elimination half-life of the active metabolite N-desmethyldiazepam is up to 100 hours. Diazepam and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine, predominantly in their conjugated forms. The clearance of diazepam is 20-30 mL/min.

PHARMACOKINETICS IN SPECIAL CLINICAL SITUATIONS :

The elimination half-life may be prolonged in the newborn, in the elderly and in patients with liver disease. In renal failure the half-life of diazepam is unchanged.

INDICATIONS

Benzodiazepines are only indicated when the disorder is severe, disabling or subjecting the individual to extreme distress.

‘Valium’ (diazepam) is useful in the symptomatic management of mild to moderate degrees of anxiety in conditions dominated by tension, excitation, agitation, fear or aggressiveness, such as may occur in:-psychoneurosis, anxiety reactions due to stress conditions and anxiety states with somatic expression. In acute alcoholic withdrawal, ‘Valium’ may be useful in the symptomatic relief of acute agitation, tremor and impending acute delirium tremens. ‘Valium’ is a useful adjunct for the relief of skeletal muscle spasm due to reflex spasm to local pathology, such as inflammation of the muscle and joints or secondary to trauma; spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders, such as cerebral palsy and paraplegia; athetosis and the rare “stiff man syndrome”.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

‘Valium’ (diazepam) is contraindicated in patients with:

A known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, severe respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome, myasthenia gravis and, because of lack of sufficient clinical experience, in children under six months of age.

WARNINGS

‘Vailum’ (diazepam) is not recommended in patients with dependence on other substances including alcohol. An exception to the latter is the management of acute withdrawal reactions.

Benzodiazepines are not recommended for the primary treatment of psychotic illness.

Benzodiazepines should not be used alone to treat depression or anxiety associated with depression as suicide may occur in such patients.

PRECAUTIONS

Benzodiazepines should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

A lower dose is recommended for patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency, due to the risk of respiratory depression.

TOLERANCE:

Some loss of response to the effects of benzodiazepines may develop after repeated use of ‘Valium’ (diazepam) for prolonged time.

DEPENDENCE:

Use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like agents may lead to the development of physical and psychological dependence. This risk of dependence increases with dose and duration of treatment (48,56,57]; it is also greater in predisposed patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

WITHDRAWAL:

Once physical dependence has developed, abrupt termination of treatment will be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. These may consist of headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion and irritability. In severe cases, the following symptoms may occur: derealization, depersonalization, hyperacusis, numbness and tingling of the extremities, hypersensitivity to light, noise and physical contact, hallucinations or epileptic seizures.

REBOUND ANXIETY:

A transient syndrome whereby the symptoms that led to treatment with ‘Valium’ recur in an enhanced form. This may occur on withdrawal of treatment. It may be accompanied by other reactions including mood changes, anxiety and restlessness.

Since the risk of withdrawal phenomena and rebound phenomena is greater after abrupt discontinuation of treatment, it is recommended that the dosage be decreased gradually.

AMNESIA:

It should be borne in mind that benzodiazepines may induce anterograde amnesia. Anterograde amnesia may occur using therapeutic dosages, the risk increasing at higher dosages. Effects of this may be associated with inappropriate behaviour.

PSYCHIATRIC AND ‘PARADOXICAL’ REACTIONS:

Paradoxical reactions such as restlessness, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness, delusion, rages, nightmares, hallucinations, psychoses, inappropriate behaviour and other adverse behavioural effects are known to occur when using benzodiazepines. Should this occur, the use of the drug should be discontinued. They are more likely to occur in children and in the elderly.

USE IN ELDERLY:

Elderly and debilitated patients or those with organic brain disorders have been found to be prone to central nervous system depression following even low doses. For these patients it is recommended that the dosage be limited to the smallest, effective amount to preclude development of ataxia, over sedation or other possible adverse effects.

USE IN EPILEPTIC PATIENT:

Careful consideration should be given if ‘Valium’ is to be used in patients with epilepsy as the possibility of an increase in the frequency and/or severity of grand mal seizures may require an increase in the doses of standard anticonvulsant medication. An abrupt withdrawal of ‘Valium’ in such cases may also be associated with the temporary increase in the frequency and/or severity of seizures.

USE IN PREGNANCY AND NURSING:

The safety of diazepam for use in pregnancy has not been established. An increased risk of congenital malformation associated with the use of benzodiazepines during the first trimester of pregnancy has been suggested. ‘Valium’ Injection should not be used during pregnancy except if absolutely necessary.

Continuous administration of benzodiazepines during pregnancy may give rise to hypotension, reduced respiratory function and hypothermia in the newborn child. Withdrawal symptoms in newborn infants have occasionally been reported with this class of drug. Special care must be taken when ‘Valium’ is used during labour and delivery, as high single doses may produce irregularities in the fetal heart rate and hypotonia, poor sucking, hypothermia and moderate respiratory depression in the neonate. With new born infants it must be remembered that the enzyme system involved in the breakdown of the drug is not yet fully developed (especially in premature infants).

Diazepam passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is therefore not recommended in patients receiving ‘Valium’.

GENERAL:

Patients receiving ‘Valium’ should be advised to proceed cautiously wherever mental alertness and physical coordination are required. The usual precautions in treating patients with impaired renal and hepatic functions should be observed. If ‘Valium’ is administered for protracted periods, periodic blood counts and liver function tests would be highly advisable.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Careful consideration should be given if ‘Valium’ is to be combined with other centrally acting agents, such as (antipsychotics, anxiolytics/sedatives, antidepressants, hypnotics, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics, anesthetics and sedative antihistamines because the pharmacological action of these (84) agents might potentiate or be potentiated by the action of ‘Valium’. Since ‘Valium’ has a central nervous system depressant effect, patients should be advised against the simultaneous ingestion of alcohol and other central nervous system depressant drugs during ‘Valium’ therapy.

There is potentially relevant interaction between diazepam and compounds which inhibit certain hepatic enzymes (particularly cytochrome P 450 III A). Data indicate that these compounds influence the pharmacokinetics of diazepam and may lead to increased and prolonged sedation. At present this reaction is known to occur with cimetidine, ketoconazole, fluvoxamine and fluoxetine and omeprazole.

There have also been reports that the metabolic elimination of phenytoin is affected by diazepam.

Cisapride may lead to a temporary increase in the sedative effects of orally administered benzodiazepines due to faster absorption.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions reported for ‘Valium’ (diazepam) are fatigue, drowsiness, muscle weakness and ataxia. These phenomena occur predominantly at the start of therapy and usually disappear with prolonged administration.

The following may also occur: dizziness, nausea, dry mouth or hypersalivation, blurred vision, diplopia, headache, slurred speech, tremors, dysarthria, confusion, depression, incontinence or urinary retention, constipation, gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rash, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, hypotension and changes in libido; very rarely, elevated transaminases and alkaline phosphatase have been reported occasionally.

Other reactions noted less frequently are vertigo, hypoactivity, euphoria and impairment of memory.

Anterograde amnesia may occur using therapeutic dosages, the risk increasing at higher dosages.

Effects of this be associated with inappropriate behaviour.

The more serious adverse reactions occasionally reported are leucopenia, jaundice and hypersensitivity.

PSYCHIATRIC AND ‘PARADOXICAL’ REACTIONS:

Paradoxical reactions such as restlessness, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness, delusion, rages, nightmares, hallucinations, psychoses, inappropriate behaviour and other adverse behavioural effects are known to occur when using benzodiazepines . Should these occur, the drug should be discontinued. They are more likely to occur in children and in the elderly.

Minor changes in EEG patterns have been observed in patients on. ‘Valium’ therapy. These changes consist of low to moderate voltage fast activity, 20 to 30 cycles per second and are of no known significance.

Chronic use (even at therapeutic doses) may lead to the development of physical dependence: discontinuation of the therapy may result in withdrawal or rebound phenomena.

Abuse of benzodiazepines has been reported.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF OVERDOSAGE

SYMPTOMS

The main symptoms of overdosage are drowsiness, over sedation and ataxia. When the effects of the drug overdosage begin to wear off, the patient exhibits some jitteriness and overstimulation. The cardinal manifestations of overdosage are drowsiness and confusion, reduced reflexes and coma (rarely) and death (very rarely). However, overdose should not present a threat to life unless combined with other CNS depressants (including alcohol). There are minimum effects on respiration, pulse and blood pressure unless the overdosage is extreme.

TREATMENT

In the management of overdose with any medicinal product, it should be borne in mind that multiple agents may have been taken. Vomiting should be induced (within 1 hour) if the patient is conscious or gastric lavage, with the airway protected if the patient is unconscious, may be beneficial if performed soon after oral ingestion of ‘Valium’ (diazepam). If there is no advantage in emptying the stomach, activated charcoal should be given to reduce absorption. If necessary, a CNS stimulant such as caffeine or methylphenidate may be administered with caution. Supportive measures should be instituted as indicated:- maintenance of an adequate airway, levarterenol or metaraminol bitartrate for hypotension. Flumazenil may be useful as an antagonist. Caution should be observed in the use of flumazenil in epileptics treated with benzodiazepines. Dialysis appears to be of little value.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Dosage for ‘Valium’ (diazepam) should be individualized for maximal beneficial effect. While the usual daily dosages given below will meet the needs of most patients, there will be some who may require higher doses. In the first few days of administration a cumulative effect of drug may occur, and therefore, the dosage should be increased only after stabilization is apparent.

DURATION OF TREATMENT

The duration of treatment should be as short as possible. The patient should be reassessed regularly and the need for continued treatment evaluated, especially if the patient is symptom free. It should not exceed 2- 3 months, including the tapering-off period. Extension beyond this period should not take place without reevaluation of the situation. It may be useful to inform the patient when treatment is started that it will be of limited duration and explain precisely how the dosage will be progressively decreased. Moreover, it is important that the patient be aware of the possibility of rebound phenomena, thereby minimizing anxiety over such symptoms should they occur during withdrawal. There is evidence that, in the case of shortacting benzodiazepines, withdrawal phenomena can become manifest within the dosage interval, especially when the dosage is high. When long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam are being used, it is important to warn against changing to a short-acting benzodiazepine as withdrawal symptoms may develop.

USUAL DAILY DOSE

ADULTS:

Symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension in psychoneurosis and anxiety reactions:Depending upon severity of symptoms – 2 mg to 10 mg, two to four times daily.

Symptomatic relief in acute alcohol withdrawal: 10 mg, three or four times during timehe first 24 hours, reducing to 5 mg, three or four ts daily as needed.

Adjunctively for relief of skeletal muscle spasm: 2 mg to 10 mg, three to four times daily.

Elderly and debilitated patients, or in thepresence of debilitating disease: 2 mg, one or two times daily initially, increase gradually as needed and tolerated

CHILDREN:

Because of varied responses, initiate therapy with lowest dose and increase as required. Not for use in children under six months. (See Contraindications): 1 mg to 2½ mg, three or four times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated.

PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION

CHEMISTRY: ‘Valium’ contains as active substance diazepam (7-chloro- 1, 3-dihydro-l-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1, 4-benzodiazepine-2- one), a benzodiazepine derivative. It is a colorless, crystalline compound, insoluble in water and has a molecular weight of 284.74.

STRUCTURAL FORMULA

COMPOSITION: ‘Valium’ is available for oral administration as tablets containing 5 mg of diazepam. Non-medicinal ingredients are corn starch, iron oxide yellow, lactose and magnesium stearate.

AVAILABILITY OF DOSAGE FORMS

‘Valium’ (diazepam) Scored Tablets: 5 mg, yellow; and 10 mg, blue.

PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

VALIUM® ROCHE®

(diazepam)

Tablets

5 mg, 10 mg

ANXIOLYTIC-SEDATIVE

HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE LIMITED DATE OF PREPARATION:

2455 Meadowpine Boulevard December 18, 1969

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5N 6L7

Date of Revision:

March 12, 1998

®Registered Trademark

CAN 6053

Tags: aggressiveness, agitation, Alcohol, anesthetics, anterograde amnesia, anticonvulsants, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, anxiety, anxiolytic, anxiolytics/sedatives, ataxia, benzodiazepines, Blurred vision, Confusion, constipation, delusion, depression, diazepam, diplopia, dizziness, Drowsiness, dry mouth or hypersalivation, dysarthria, euphoria, excitation, extreme anxiety, fatigue, fear or aggressiveness, gastrointestinal disturbances, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, hallucinations, headache, hypnotics, hypoactivity, hypotension and changes in libido, impairment of memory, inappropriate behaviour, incontinence or urinary retention, irritability, muscle pain, Muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis, N-desmethyldiazepam, narcotic analgesics, nausea, neurospastic conditions, Nightmares, oxazepam, psychoses, rages, restlessness, sedative, sedative antihistamines, severe hepatic insufficiency, severe respiratory insufficiency, skin rash, sleep apnea syndrome, Slurred speech, temazepam, tension, tension states, Tremors, Valiun, vertigo

The Side Effects Of Common Psychiatric Drugs: Anti-Anxiety Drugs

admin — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:28:59 +0000

The Side Effects Of Common Psychiatric Drugs: Anti-Anxiety Drugs

(Called Minor Tranquilizers, Benzodiazepines or Sedative Hypnotics)

Brand Names (Generic Names):

Ambien (zolpidem)

Ativan (lorazepam)

Azene (clorazepate)

BuSpar (buspirone)

Centrax (prazepam)

Champix (varenicline – in the UK)

Chantix (varenicline – in the U.S.)

Dalmane (flurazepam)

Doral (quazepam)

Equanil (meprobamate)

Halcion (triazolam)

Klonopin (clonazepam)

Lexomil (bromazepam)

Lexotan (bromazepam)

Lexotanil (bromazepam)

Librax (chlordiazepoxide and flidinium)

Libritabs (chlordiazepoxide)

Librium (chlordiazepoxide)

Lunesta (eszopiclone)

Miltown (meprobamate)

Niravam (alprazolam)

Paxipam (halazepam)

Placidyl (ethchlorvynol)

Prosom (estazolam)

Reapam (prazepam)

Restoril (temazepam)

Rivotril (clonazepam)

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)

Rozerem (ramelteon)

Serax (ozazepam)

Serepax (oxazepam)

Serestra (oxazepam)

Sonata (zaleplon)

Stesolid (diazepam)

Stilnox (zolpidem)

Temesta (lorazepam)

Tranxene (clorazepate)

Valium (diazepam)

Valrelease (diazepam)

Versed (midazolam)

Verstran (prazepam)

Vistaril (hydroxyzine)

Xanax (alprazolam)

Side Effects:

Acute hyperexcited states

Aggressive behavior

Agitation

Agranulocytosis (condition affecting white blood cells causing susceptibility to infection)

Akathisia

Amnesia

Anxiety

Blurred vision

Changes in appetite

Changes in sex drive or ability

Chest pain

Confusion

Constipation

Diarrhea

Difficulty urinating

Disorientation

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Drowsiness

Dry mouth

Epileptic seizures and death have resulted from suddenly stopping

Fast or irregular heartbeat

Fatigue

Fear

Feeling that the throat is closing

Fever

Frequent urination

Hallucinations

Hangover effect (grogginess)

Headache

Heartburn

Hives

Hoarseness

Hostility

Increased salivation

Insomnia

Irritability

Itching

Jaundice

Jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms

Lethargy

Liver problems

Memory impairment

Muscle tremors

Nausea

Nervousness

Nightmares

Numbness

Problems with coordination

Psychosis

Rage

Restlessness or excitement

Sedation

Seizures

Severe depression

Severe skin rash

Sexual problems

Shuffling walk

Sleep disturbances

Slow or difficult speech

Slurred speech

Stomach pain

Suicide attempt

Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat

Talkativeness

Tiredness

Transient amnesia

Tremors

Unusual movements of the head or neck muscles

Upset stomach

Vomiting

Weakness

Weight changes115

General Warnings And Studies On Anti-Anxiety Drugs:

Daily use of therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines is associated with physical dependence.

Addiction can occur after 14 days of regular use.116 The withdrawal from drugs like Valium

“is more prolonged and often more difficult than [withdrawal from] heroin,” Dr. Conway

Hunter, Jr. of Atlanta’s Peachford Hospital stated in 1979. In 2008, Dr. Patrick Holford

from the UK wrote “How To Quit Tranquilizers” and said, withdrawal and tolerance to

benzodiazepines “describe an addiction that can be as difficult as heroin to break.”117

The typical consequences of withdrawal are anxiety, depression, sweating, cramps,

nausea, psychotic reactions and seizures. There is also a “rebound effect” where the

individual experiences even worse symptoms than they started with as a result of chemical

dependency.118

1990-1996: Benzodiazepines caused 1,810 deaths in Britain, making them more lethal

than heroin, cocaine and methadone, which combined accounted for 1,623 deaths.119

1997: A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that

elderly people taking benzodiazepines for anxiety or insomnia were at increased risk for

motor vehicle crashes. Brenda Hemmelgarn, M.N., Samy Suissa, Ph.D., and colleagues

from McGill University and Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, studied 224,734

drivers aged 67 to 84 years and determined a 45% increased rate of motor vehicle crashes

involving injuries for elderly patients during the first seven days of taking a long-acting

form of benzodiazepine.120

2001: A British study reported an “increase in hostility and aggression may be reported by

patients taking benzodiazepines. The effects range from talkativeness and excitement to

aggressive and antisocial acts.”121

February 2001: British professor C. Heather Ashton reported cases of babybattering,

wife-beating and “grandmother-bashing” could be attributed to people taking

benzodiazepines.122

March 2005: The UK government’s House of Commons (Parliament) Health Committee

released findings of its inquiry into benzodiazepines and reported the side effects “are

now known to include excessive sedation, decreased attention, amnesia and sometimes

intractable dependence. Abrupt cessation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms,

including convulsions in some patients. Short-term treatment and a long tapering period is

now recommended to limit these risks.”123

January 2008: The Journal of Clinical Nursing published an article entitled, “Falls and

Fall Risk Among Nursing Home Residents,” that concluded, “A higher intake of medicine

was associated with an increase in fractures and thus with more serious consequences of

falls which jeopardize these patients’ safety. Although freedom-restricting actions cannot

eliminate falls totally, our results support the hypothesis that they might be protective when

used selectively together with fewer sedatives, especially benzodiazepines.”124

Warnings and Studies on Specific Anti-anxiety Drugs:

Champix (varenicline in the UK):

December 14, 2007: The British Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

in conjunction with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) published a warning that

stated: “Doctors are already aware of the risk of using Champix [a benzodiazepine-based

drug, promoted for smoking cessation] in patients who have an underlying mental illness.

They also need to be aware of the possibility that patients who are trying to stop smoking

can develop symptoms of depression, and they should advise their patients accordingly.

Patients who are taking Champix and develop suicidal thoughts should stop their treatment

and contact their doctor immediately.”125

Chantix (varenicline in the U.S.):

November 20, 2007: The FDA issued “Early Communication About an Ongoing Safety

Review Varenicline (marketed as Chantix, a benzodiazepine based drug, promoted for

smoking cessation).” The FDA warned that drug companies had reported incidents of

suicidal thoughts, aggressive and erratic behavior, and drowsiness in patients who had

taken Chantix.126

February 1, 2008: The FDA warned that serious neuropsychiatric symptoms had occurred

in patients taking Chantix. The drug can cause changes in behavior, agitation, depressed

mood, suicidal ideation, and attempted and completed suicide.127

ROHYPNOL (flunitrazepam):

Note: The U.S. has not approved Rohypnol for medical use. It is legally sold in Latin

America and Europe for insomnia and is smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico and South

America.

A 2000 Swedish study of 47 juvenile delinquents found that 40% were acute abusers of

a minor tranquilizer, Rohypnol—known as the “fear reducer” and “date rape” drug—that

enabled them to commit extremely violent crimes. Abusers showed no guilt about their

violent offenses: “When I stabbed him, it felt like putting a knife into butter,” states the

report. “I didn’t feel any emotion when I stabbed him five times,” a teenager reported.128

It is also known as a “club drug,” a general term for a number of illicit drugs, primarily

synthetic, that are most commonly encountered at nightclubs and “raves.” The drugs have

gained popularity primarily due to the false perception that they are not as harmful, nor as

addictive, as mainstream drugs such as cocaine and heroin. The drug chemically induces

amnesia and often causes decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, visual disturbances,

dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances, and urinary retention.129

Stilnox (AMBIEN, zolpidem):

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic prescribed often for insomnia. It includes

Adormix, Ambien, Edluar, Damixan, Hyprogen, Invelald, Lioran, Nytamel, Sanval,

Stilnoct, Stilnox, Sucedeal, Zoldem, Zolnod and Zolphihexal.

February 21, 2008: The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) imposed a

boxed warning in the product information for medicines containing zolpidem (Stilnox). The

boxed warning stated: “Zolpidem may be associated with potentially dangerous complex

sleep-related behaviors which may include sleep walking, sleep driving and other bizarre

behaviors. Zolpidem is not to be taken with alcohol. Caution is needed with other CNS

[Central Nervous System] depressant drugs. Limit use to four weeks maximum under close

medical supervision.” The TGA said it would carry warnings of possible side effects,

“including rage reactions, worsening insomnia, confusion, agitation, hallucinations and

other forms of unwanted behavior.”130

May 7, 2008: The FDA approved safety labeling revisions to advise of the risks for

abnormal thinking and behavioral changes in patients taking zolpidem and other sedativehypnotic

drugs. Use of sedative-hypnotics in primarily depressed patients has been

linked to worsening depression, including suicidal thoughts and actions and completed

suicide. Behavioral changes include “sleep-driving.” The FDA also warned that rare cases

of angioedema (allergic skin disease) have been reported in patients taking the first or

subsequent doses of sedative-hypnotics. Symptoms can include throat closing, or nausea

and vomiting requiring emergency care. Because airway obstruction can cause death, patients in whom angioedema develops after taking zolpidem should not be “rechallenged

with the drug.”131

XANAX (alprazolam):

December 1990: Dr. John Steinberg, medical director of the Chemical Dependency

Program at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and president of the Maryland Society of

Addiction Medicine, confirmed that patients taking one Xanax tablet each day for several

weeks could become addicted. Further, after a patient stops taking Xanax, it takes the brain

six to eighteen months to recover. Xanax patients should be warned, he said, that it could

take a long time to get over painful withdrawal symptoms.132

1984: A study of Xanax, “Extreme anger and hostile behavior emerged from eight of the

first 80 patients we treated with alprazolam [Xanax]. The responses consisted of physical

assaults by two patients, behavior potentially dangerous to others by two more, and verbal

outbursts by the remaining four.” The study reported that a woman who had no history of

violence before taking Xanax “erupted with screams on the fourth day of taking alprazolam

treatment, and held a steak knife to her mother’s throat for a few minutes.”133

1985: Another study found that more than half of the Xanax study group experienced

“dyscontrol,” meaning violence or loss of control of aggressive behavior. The violence

included “deep neck cuts…wrist cuts…tried to break own arm…threw chair at child…arm

and head banging…jumped in front of a car.”134

2001: Drug experts said Xanax is more addictive than most illegal drugs, including cocaine

or heroin, and once someone is hooked, getting off it can be a tortuous and even deadly

experience.135

July 2005: The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University

issued a report called “Under the Counter: The Diversion and Abuse of C ontrolled

Prescription Drugs in the U.S.” stating that 15 million Americans were getting high on

prescription drugs, painkillers and psychiatric drugs such as Xanax and the stimulants

Ritalin and Adderall. They were abusing these drugs more than cocaine, heroin and

methamphetamines combined. Teens who abused prescription drugs were 12 times likelier

to use heroin, 14 times likelier to use Ecstasy and 21 times likelier to use cocaine, compared to teens that do not abuse such drugs. 136

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22 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, Teens – 2004, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 21 Apr. 2005, p. 7; “Cylert recall

demanded over safety concerns,” Lifestyle News, www.mynippon.com/news/2005/03/cylert-recall-demanded-over-safety-concerns.

23 “Injured by Cylert?” Parker Waichman Alonso, LLP, http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/cylert.

24 “FDA Withdraws Approval for ADD Drug,” Associated Press, 24 Oct. 2005.

25 “Updated Safety Information: Warnings regarding serious rash, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and hypersensitivity reactions,

and psychiatric symptoms,” Cephalon, Inc., Sept. 2007.

26 Op. cit., DSM-III-R, pp. 136, 175.; Medical Economics Company, Physicians Desk Reference (Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics

Co, 1998), pp. 1,897.

27 “Methylphenidate (A Background Paper),” U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Oct. 1995, p. 16.

28 “Antidepressant Ritalin to be delisted because of abuse,” Daily Yomiuri Online, 19 Oct. 2007.

29 Ritalin Drug Label, fda.gov.

30 Physicians’ Desk Reference, http://www.pdrhealth.com; Joseph Glenmullen, M.D. Prozac Backlash, (Simon & Schuster, New York,

2000), p. 8; “Antidepressants Lift Clouds, But Lost ‘Miracle Drug’ Label,” The New York Times, 30 June 2002; Alice Park, “More

Drugs To Treat Hyperactivity,” TIME Magazine, 10 Sept. 2001; Wellbutrin/Bupropion, Prozac Truth website; “Teen Suffers Seizure

After Snorting Antidepressant,” HealthScoutNews Reporter, 23 Apr. 2003.

31 Dr. Candace B. Pert, Letter to the Editor, TIME Magazine, 20 Oct. 1997, p. 8.

32 “Worsening Depression and Suicidality in Patients Being Treated with Antidepressant Medication,” FDA Public Health Advisory, 22

Mar. 2004.

33 Gardiner Harris, “Antidepressant Study Seen to Back Expert,” The New York Times, 20 Aug. 2004.

34 “Antidepressant aggression concern,” BBC News Online, 21 Sept. 2004.

35 “Suicidality in Children and Adolescents Being Treated With Antidepressant Medications,” FDA Public Health Advisory, 15 Oct. 2004.

36 “New advice on prescribing anti-depressants,” New Zealand Ministry of Health Media Release, 21 Oct. 2004.

37 “Use of SSRI antidepressants in children and adolescents,” Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin, Vol. 23, No. 6, Dec. 2004.

38 “European Medicines Agency finalises review of antidepressants in children and adolescents,” European Medicines Agency Press

Release, 25 Apr. 2005.

39 Sarah Boseley, “Suicide fear from antidepressants,” The Guardian (London), 18 Feb. 2005.

40 Joanna Moncrieff and Irving Kirsch, “Efficacy of Antidepressants in Adults,” British Medical Journal, Vol. 331, 16 July 2005, pp.

155-157; Salynn Boyles, “Battle Brews Over Antidepressant Use,” Fox News, 15 Jul. 2005.

41 “Suicidality with SSRIs: adults and children,” Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin, Vol. 24, No. 4, Aug. 2005.

42 “Annex II,” Commission Decision of 19-VIII-2005, Commission of the European Communities, 19 Aug. 2005.

43 Ivar Aursnes, et al., “Suicide Attempts in Clinical Trials with Paroxetine Randomised Against Placebo,” BMC Medicine, Vol. 3, pp.

14-18.

44 Sheryl Ubelacker, “SSRI antidepressants may raise suicide risk in elderly patients: study,” Sympatico, 1 May 2006.

45 “Antidepressants should list new risks: FDA,” Reuters, 19 July 2006; “Combined Use of 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor Agonists (Triptans), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Selective Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) May

Result in Life-threatening Serotonin Syndrome,” FDA Public Health Advisory, 19 July 2006.

46 “FDA Proposes New Warnings About Suicidal Thinking, Behavior in Young Adults Who Take Antidepressants,” FDA News, 2 May 2007.

47 “Antidepressants and suicidal thoughts and behaviour,” Pharmacovigilance Working Party, Jan. 2008.

48 Yan Chen, et al., “Risk of Cerebrovascular Events [CVE] Associated with Antidepressant Use in Patients with Depression: A

Population-Bases, Nested Case-Control Study,” The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 177-184, 22 Jan. 2008.

49 “Implementation of warnings on suicidal thoughts and behaviour in antidepressants,” MHRA, 5 February 2008.

50 Irving Kirsch, et al., “Initial Severity and Antidepressant Benefits: A Meta-Analysis of Data Submitted to the Food and Drug

Administration,” Public Library of Science, Vol. 5, Iss. 2, 26 Feb. 2008.

51 “Antidepressant drug use and risk of venous thromboembolism,” Pharmacotherapy, Vol. 28, No. 2, 28 Feb. 2008.

52 Thomas Laughren, M.D., Letter to GlaxoSmithKline Attn: Randal L. Batenhorst, Food and Drug Administration, Jan. 2009.

53 Benedict Carey, “Treatment of Depression in Pregnancy Affects Babies,” The New York Times, 4 Feb. 2005.

54 “General information concerning use of SSRI antidepressants in pregnant women,” Therapeutic Goods Administration, 7 Sept. 2005.

55 “Paroxetine HCL – Paxil and generic paroxetine,” 2005 Safety Alerts for Drugs, Biologics, Medical Devices, and Dietary

Supplements, FDA MedWatch, 27 Sept. 2005.

56 Steve Mitchell, “Analysis: SSRIs’ risk to infants,” United Press International, 6 Feb. 2006.

57 “Advisory – Newer antidepressants linked to serious lung disorder in newborns,” Health Canada press release, 10 Mar. 2006.

58 Maria Bishop, “Use of Antidepressants in Pregnancy Affects Neonatal Outcomes: Presented at AACAP,” Doctor’s Guide, 29 Oct.

2007.

59 “Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Other SSRI Antidepressants Tied to Premature Birth,” News Inferno, 6 May 2008.

60 “Duloxetine hydrochloride (marketed as Cymbalta) information,” FDA information sheet, 30 June 2005.

61 “Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride),” 2005 Safety Alerts for Drugs, Biologics, Medical Devices, and Dietary Supplements, FDA

MedWatch, 17 Oct. 2005.

62 “NDA # 21-733. CYMBALTA® (duloxetine hydrochloride) Delayed-release Capsules. MACMIS # 14550,” FDA, 2 Oct. 2007.

63 “Paroxetine,” FDA Public Health Advisory, 8 Dec. 2005.

64 Benedict Carey and Gardiner Harris, “Antidepressant May Raise Suicide Risk,” The New York Times, 12 May 2006.

65 Corrado Barbui, M.D., et al., “Effectiveness of paroxetine in the treatment of acute major depression in adults: a systematic reexamination

of published and unpublished data from randomized trials,” Canadian Medical Association Journal, Vol. 178, No. 3, 29

Jan. 2008.

66 “New Warning for Strattera,” FDA Talk Paper, 17 Dec. 2004.

67 “Attention Drug to Get New Warning,” Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2004.

68 “Strattera to Get New Risk Label,” The Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2004.

69 “New Drugs in Pipeline,” Psychiatric News, 21 Dec. 2001.

70 “Lilly to add suicide warning to Strattera,” ABC News, 29 Sept. 2005.

71 “Atomoxetine and suicidal behavior: update,” Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter, Vol. 18, Iss. 3, July 2008.

72 “Atomoxetine: risk of psychotic or manic symptoms,” Drug Safety Update, MHRA, Vol. 2, Iss. 8, March 2009.

73 “Teen Suffers Seizure After Snorting Antidepressant,” HealthScoutNews Reporter, 23 Apr., 2003.

74 Op. cit., Prozac Truth website.

75 Alice Park, “More Drugs To Treat Hyperactivity,” TIME Magazine, 10 Sept. 2001.

76 Op. cit., Prozac Truth website.

77HealthScoutNews Reporter.

78 Op. cit. Physicians’ Desk Reference, http://www.pdrhealth.com.

79 “Suicidality in Children and Adolescents Being Treated With Antidepressant Medications,” FDA Public Health Advisory, 15 Oct.

2004.

80 Op cit.New Zealand Ministry of Health.

81 Italian Official Gazette, No. 224, 26 Sept. 2005.

82 “Depression in Children and Young People,” National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Sept. 2005, pp. 16, 18 and 28.

83 FDA, “Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents, and Adults,” www.fda.gov/CDER/Drug/antidepressants?default.html, updated

2 May 2007.

84 Op. Cit.Maria Bishop.

85 “Antidepressant drug use and risk of venous thromboembolism,” Pharmacotherapy, Vol. 28, No. 2, 28 Feb. 2008.

86 Physicians’ Desk Reference, http://www.pdrhealth.com; “ABILIFY Rx Only (aripiprazole) Tablets,” Package Insert, revised Mar.

2004; “GENERIC NAME: Aripiprazole BRAND NAME: Abilify,” Internet URL: http://www.MedicineNet.com, Last Editorial

Review: 9/8/04; “Aripiprazole Brand Name: Abilify,” Internet URL: http://www.HealthyPlace.com, Ty C. Colbert, Rape of the Soul,

How the Chemical Imbalance Model of Modern Psychiatry has Failed its Patients, (Kevco Publishing, California, 2001), p. 106.

87 Robert Whitaker, Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill, (Perseus

Publishing, New York, 2002), pp. 182, 186.

88 Op. cit., Robert Whitaker, p. 208.

89 George Crane, “Tardive Dyskinesia in Patients Treated with Major Neuroleptics: A Review of the Literature,” American Journal of

Psychiatry, Vol. 124, Supplement, 1968, pp. 40-47.

90 Michael J. Burns, “The Pharmacology and Toxicology of Atypical Antipsychotic Agents,” Journal of Toxicology, 1 Jan. 2001.

91 Ibid.

92 “FDA: Antipsychotic Drugs, Diabetes Linked,” Associated Press Online, 18 Sept. 2003.

93 “Atypical antipsychotics and hyperglycaemia,” Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin, Vol. 23, No. 3, June 2004.

94 Jeffrey A. Lieberman, M.D., et al., “Effectiveness of Antipsychotic Drugs in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia,” The New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 353, No. 12, 22 Sept. 2005.

95 Philip S. Wang, et al., “Risk of Death in Elderly Users of Conventional vs. Atypical Antipsychotic Medication,” The New England

Journal of Medicine, Vol. 353, No. 22, 1 Dec. 2005.

96 Marilyn Elias, “New antipsychotic drugs carry risks for children; Side effects can lead to bigger health problems,” USA Today, 2

May 2006.

97 Peter Tyrer, et al., “Risperidone, haloperidol, and placebo in the treatment of aggressive challenging behaviour in patients with

intellectual disability: a randomized controlled trial,” The Lancet, Vol. 371, 5 Jan. 2008.

98 Wilma Knol, M.D., et al., “Antipsychotic Drug Use and Risk of Pneumonia in Elderly People,” The American Geriatrics Society, Vol.

56, No. 4, pp. 661-666, Apr. 2008.80

99 Hugo Lovheim, M.D., Stig Karlsoon, R.N., Ph.D., et al., “The use of central nervous system drugs and analgesics among very old

people with and without dementia,” Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 9 Apr. 2008.

100 Paula A. Rochon, M.D., MPH, FRCPC, et al., “Antipsychotic Therapy and Short-term Serious Events in Older Adults With

Dementia,” The Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 168, No. 10, 26 May 2008.

101 “Information for Healthcare Professionals Antipsychotics,” FDA, June 2008; “US FDA expands antipsychotic drug warning,”

Reuters UK, 17 June 2008.

102 “Update on the safety of antipsychotic medicines – risk of stroke and increased risk of mortality in elderly patients treated for

dementia,” Drug Safety Newsletter, Iss. 30, Apr. 2009, p. 5.

103 MedicineNet.com, Last Editorial Review: 9/8/04.

104 “Abilify Information,” Pharma-Help.com.

105 “The New Anti-Psychotic Drug Aripiprazole (ABILIFY),” Public Citizen’s eLetter, Apr. 2003.

106 Op. cit., “ABILIFY Rx Only (aripiprazole) Tablets,”

107 “Clozapine and Achy Breaky Hearts,” MedSafe, May 2008.

108 Watching Briefs, MedSafe, June 2008.

109 “Information for Healthcare Professionals Haloperidol (marketed as Haldol, Haldol Decanoate and Haldol Lactate),” FDA ALERT,

17 Sept. 2007.

110 Jeff Swiatek, “Uncertainty was Driver in Zyprexa Deal,” IndianapolisStar.com, 11 June 2005.

111 Op. cit., Jeffrey A. Lieberman, M.D., et al.

112 “Study: New drugs little better for schizophrenia,” St. Petersburg Times, 20 Sept. 2005.

113 “Important Safety Information about ZYPREXA® (olanzapine),” Eli Lilly and Company, 5 Oct. 2007; “Lilly Announces Updates

to the Zyprexa and Symbyax U.S. Labels,” PRNewswire, Bio-Medicine, 5 Oct. 2007.

114 ZYPREXA Safety Information, www.zyprexa.com.

115 Physicians’ Desk Reference, http://www.pdrhealth.com.

116 Tracey McVeigh, “Tranquilizers ‘more lethal than heroin,’” The Observer, 5 Nov. 2000.

117 Matt Clark, Mary Hager, “Valium Abuse: The Yellow Peril,” Newsweek, 24 Sept. 1979; Dr. Patrick Holford, “How to Quit

Tranquilizers,” www.patrickholdford.com, 2008.

118 Ibid.

119 Op. cit., Tracey McVeigh.

120 “Elderly On Long-Acting Anxiety, Insomnia Drugs Have More Car Crashes,” Doctor’s Guide citing Journal of American Medical

Association, 30 June 1997.

121 “Agression, Violence & Bezodiazapines,” Benzo.org.uk, citing British National Formulary, 2001.

122 Benzo.org.uk, citing Professor C. Heather Ashton, Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How To Withdraw, Feb. 2001.

123 “The Influence on the Pharmaceutical Industry,” House of Commons, UK, Health Committee, Vol. 1, Mar. 2005. p. 65.

124 Tarja-Brita R. Wahlin, et al., “Falls and fall risk among nursing home residents,” The Journal of Clinical Nursing, Vol. 17, pp. 126-

134, Jan. 2008.

125 “Europe-wide review recommends updates to product information for varenicline (brand name Champix),” MHRA, 14 Dec. 2008.

126 “Early Communication About an Ongoing Safety Review Varenicline (marketed as Chantix),” FDA, 20 Nov. 2007.

127 “Varenicline (marketed as Chantix) Information,” FDA Alert, 1 Feb. 2008.

128 Op. cit., House of Commons, UK, Health Committee, p. 65.

129 Anna Maria Dademan, “Flunitrazepam and violence—psychiatric and legal issues,” Department of Clinical Neuroscience,

Occupational Therapy and Elderly Care, Research Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Karolinska Institute, Sweden, 2000, p. 43.

130 “Zolpidem (‘Stilnox’) – Updated information – February 2008,” Theraputic Goods Administration, 21 Feb. 2008; “Club Drugs: An

Update,” Drug Intelligence Brief, Drug Enforcement Administration, Sept. 2001.

131 “FDA Safety Changes: Ambien, Primazin IM/IV, Hepsera,” Medscape, 28 Aug. 2008.

132 Peter Breggin, Toxic Psychiatry, (St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1991) p. 245.

133 Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, et al., “Emergence of Hostility During Alprazolam Treatment in Borderline Personality Disorder,” The

American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 141, No. 6 (June 1984), pp. 792-793.

134 David L. Gardner and Rex W. Cowdrey, “Alprazolam-Induced Dyscontrol in Borderline Personality Disorder,” The American

Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 142, No. 1 (Jan. 1985), pp. 98-100.

135 “Xanax addiction extremely tough to kick,” MSNBC News Online, 2001.

136 Statement by Joseph A. Califano, Jr., Chairman and President, “Under the Counter: The Diversion and Abuse of Controlled

Prescription Drugs in the U.S.” The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, July 2005.

137 Physicians’ Desk Reference, (Medical Economics Company, New Jersey, 1998), pp. 2822-2823; David L. Richman, M.D., Leonard

Roy Frank, and Art Mandler, Dr. Caligari’s Psychiatric Drugs (Alonzo Printing Co., Inc., California, 1984), p. 39.

138 Op. cit., David L. Richman, M.D., et al., pp. 38-39.

139 Ibid.

Source: http://www.cchrint.org/pdfs/The_Side_Effects_of_Common_Psychiatric_Drugs.pdf

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Lexapro

admin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 11:02:42 +0000

What is Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Lexapro is available by prescription only

Lexapro has been proven safe and effective for the acute and maintenance treatment of MDD in adults and adolescents (ages 12-17) and for the acute treatment of anxiety (GAD) in adults.
Lexapro has been prescribed to over 18 million U.S. adults
Lexapro 10mg/day may significantly improve the symptoms of depression (MDD) in adults and adolescents (aged 12-17) and anxiety (GAD) for adults

How Lexapro works

Lexapro is believed to work by increasing serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood.
How SSRIs work

Although the brain chemistry involved in depression or anxiety is not fully understood, it is widely recognized that chemical messengers facilitate communication between nerve cells in the brain and are involved in regulating many aspects of behavior and mood. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters and it is believed that neurotransmitter imbalances play an important role in the development of depression and anxiety. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been clearly linked with most, if not all, forms of depression. SSRIs are believed to work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, thus increasing available serotonin.

What is Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Lexapro is available by prescription only.

Lexapro has been proven safe and effective for the treatment of depression (MDD) in adults and adolescents (aged 12-17) and for the treatment of anxiety (GAD) in adults.

Lexapro is believed to work by helping to restore the brain’s chemical balance; it increases serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood.
Lexapro 10mg/day may significantly improve the symptoms of depression (MDD) in adults and adolescents and anxiety (GAD) for adults.
Lexapro for Depression (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Adults

Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 years and for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.
Lexapro is a once daily treatment for both depression (MDD) and anxiety (GAD).
The efficacy and safety of Lexapro for the treatment of MDD in adults was established in several clinical trials involving more than 1,100 adult patients, including men and women, ages 18-65.
The efficacy and safety of Lexapro in the treatment of GAD in adults was established in several clinical trials involving approximately 850 adult patients ages 18-80.
Lexapro has been prescribed to over 18 million U.S. adults.

Taking Lexapro
Lexapro is taken once daily with or without food. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medicines or over-the-counter remedies you take.
In clinical trials, the most common side effects associated with Lexapro treatment in adults were nausea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculation delay), fatigue and drowsiness, increased sweating, decreased libido, and anorgasmia (difficulty achieving orgasm). Side effects in pediatric patients were generally similar to those seen in adults; however, the following additional side effects were reported commonly in pediatric patients: back pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and nasal congestion. This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information, see Lexapro Prescribing Information. Always take Lexapro as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Lexapro as a Treatment for Depression and Anxiety (GAD)

Lexapro has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment to relieve symptoms of MDD in both adults and adolescents and GAD in adults. You may notice an improvement in symptoms in a few weeks; though, you should continue taking Lexapro as directed by your healthcare professional. Lexapro has been prescribed to over 18 million patients. There is no generic available for LEXAPRO. Your doctor prescribed Lexapro for a reason.
Lexapro as a Treatment for Depression

Lexapro has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for depression. In controlled studies, Lexapro significantly improved the symptoms of depression in both adults and adolescents.

Medicines can sometimes work differently in different people. Talk with your healthcare professional before stopping Lexapro or changing your dose.

Remember, it is important to take your medicine for as long as your healthcare professional advises, even if you start feeling better. Otherwise your symptoms could return or worsen. Full recovery takes time.
Lexapro as a Treatment for GAD

Lexapro has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In clinical studies, Lexapro significantly reduced the symptoms of GAD for many adults.

Remember, it is important to continue to take your medicine as long as your healthcare professional advises, even if you start feeling better. Otherwise your symptoms could return or worsen. Full recovery takes time.
Different antidepressants are just that – different.
Not all antidepressants are interchangeable.

Your doctor selects and prescribes a specific antidepressant for you based on careful consideration of your symptoms, your medical history, and specific medical needs. After your doctor gives you your prescription, make sure you get exactly what your doctor ordered when you go to the pharmacy. This is especially important if you are doing well on treatment. It is important to start and stay on a medication that effectively relieves your symptoms and that you tolerate well. If you are doing well on treatment, switching your medication may compromise your treatment.
If your doctor prescribed Lexapro for you, he/she chose Lexapro for a reason.

Your doctor chose Lexapro because he or she believes it is the right treatment for you. While there are generic versions of other antidepressants, there is no generic version available for Lexapro.

Fill your prescription as prescribed right away – the sooner you begin Lexapro treatment, the sooner you may begin to feel better.
- Full antidepressant/anxiolytic effect may take 4 to 6 weeks.

When you are at the pharmacy to fill or refill your Lexapro prescription, remember:
To double check that your prescription for Lexapro is filled exactly as written by your doctor.
If a pharmacy recommends a switch to another medication, you will not be getting what your doctor prescribed because there is no generic available for Lexapro.
Your doctor prescribed Lexapro for you based on a thorough medical examination and that antidepressants are not identical or interchangeable.
If Lexapro is working for you, stick with it and take Lexapro exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Set a date for when you need to come in for your next Lexapro refill.
If you think you are experiencing side effects, you should talk with your healthcare professional.

What are the Possible Side Effects of Lexapro

In clinical trials, the most common side effects associated with Lexapro treatment in adults were nausea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculation delay), fatigue and drowsiness, increased sweating, decreased libido, and anorgasmia (difficulty achieving orgasm). Side effects in pediatric patients were generally similar to those seen in adults; however, the following additional side effects were commonly reported in pediatric patients: back pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and nasal congestion.

These are not all the possible side effects with Lexapro. Please see the Important Risk Information, including boxed warning at the bottom of this page, and the full Prescribing Information.
Do not take Lexapro if you are:
Taking or have recently taken a type of drug called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as Nardil® (phenelzine sulfate) or Parnate® (tranylcypromine sulfate)
Taking a type of antipsychotic medicine called Orap® (pimozide)
Allergic to or have had a bad reaction to Lexapro, any of the components of Lexapro, Celexa, or generic citalopram
Taking Celexa® (citalopram) or generic citalopram

Also, to avoid a serious or potentially life-threatening condition, tell your healthcare professional if you are taking, or planning to take, any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including:
Other SSRIs, serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), certain migraine or headache medications (triptans or tramadol), or tryptophan
Any other medication prescribed for a psychiatric or neurological condition
NSAID pain relievers (such as Advil®, Motrin®, ibuprofen, Aleve®, or naproxen), aspirin, warfarin, or blood thinners
Diuretics

Nardil is a registered trademark of Parke Davis.
Parnate is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline.
Orap is a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.
Advil is a registered trademark of Wyeth Consumer Healthcare.
Motrin is a registered trademark of McNeil Consumer Healthcare.
Aleve is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare LLC.
1. Why was I prescribed Lexapro?
Lexapro is a prescription medicine for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 years and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. MDD and GAD are real medical conditions that require diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Lexapro is a safe and effective medication that may help improve symptoms of depression in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Your healthcare professional chose Lexapro for a reason. There is no available generic substitute for Lexapro. Fill your prescription right away, the sooner you begin taking Lexapro as prescribed by your healthcare provider, the sooner you may begin to feel better. For more information, see: How Lexapro Works.
2. What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is an antidepressant and a member of the family of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
3. How does Lexapro work?
Lexapro is believed to work by increasing serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood.
4. When will I start feeling better?
You may notice an improvement in 1 to 4 weeks; however, you should continue to take Lexapro as directed by your healthcare professional. Full antidepressant/anxiolytic effect may take 4 to 6 weeks. You should follow up with your healthcare professional and report your progress. Don’t feel discouraged if your symptoms don’t improve right away. For some patients it takes longer. Keep taking your medicine until your healthcare professional advises differently. For more information, see: Should I Take Lexapro Daily?
5. Can I stop taking Lexapro once I feel better?
While you may notice improvement in a few weeks, you should continue therapy as directed by your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional may ask you to keep taking Lexapro even if you are feeling better. Only your healthcare professional should determine the appropriate length of treatment. Talk with your healthcare professional before stopping Lexapro or changing your dose. For more information, see: For how long should I take Lexapro?
6. Are there side effects with Lexapro?
In clinical trials, the most common side effects associated with Lexapro treatment in adults were nausea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculation delay), fatigue and drowsiness, increased sweating, decreased libido, and anorgasmia (difficulty achieving orgasm). Side effects in pediatric patients were generally similar to those seen in adults; however, the following additional side effects were reported commonly in pediatric patients: back pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and nasal congestion. This is not a complete list of side effects. For additional information, please see Full Prescribing Information for Lexapro.
7. Can I use Lexapro if I am pregnant?
Talk to your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Lexapro. There have been no studies done that show Lexapro is safe to use in pregnant women. Therefore, Lexapro should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn child. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this important decision.
8. Can I use Lexapro if I am breastfeeding?
Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they are breastfeeding an infant. Lexapro, like many other medicines, is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, the doctor and patient must decide whether to continue or discontinue either nursing or Lexapro. The decision to continue Lexapro should take into account the risks for the infant and the benefits of Lexapro for the mother.
9. Does Lexapro cause weight gain?
In controlled studies, clinically important changes in body weight were similar for patients treated with Lexapro and those treated with placebo (sugar pill). If you have concerns about any side effects, you should talk with your healthcare professional.
10. How and when should I take Lexapro?
Lexapro should be taken once every day. It may be taken with or without food, in the morning or evening. Remember to fill prescriptions ahead of time to avoid missing a dose. To get the best results, it is important to follow all of your healthcare professional’s instructions about how and when you should take Lexapro.
11. Can I take Lexapro with other medicines?

Do not take Lexapro if you are:
Taking or have recently taken a type of drug called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as Nardil® (phenelzine sulfate) or Parnate® (tranylcypromine sulfate)
Taking a type of antipsychotic medicine called Orap® (pimozide)
Allergic to or have had a bad reaction to Lexapro, Celexa, generic citalopram, or any of the components of Lexapro
Taking Celexa® (citalopram) or generic citalopram

Also, to avoid a potentially serious or life-threatening condition, tell your healthcare professional if you are taking, or planning to take, any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including:
Other SSRIs, serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), certain migraine or headache medications (triptans), tramadol, or tryptophan
Any other medication prescribed for a psychiatric condition
NSAID pain relievers (such as Advil®, Motrin®, ibuprofen, Aleve®, or naproxen), aspirin, warfarin, or blood thinners
Diuretics
12. How else can I help my recovery in addition to taking Lexapro?
Be sure to keep follow-up appointments with your healthcare professional. He or she needs to track your progress. In addition to taking a medicine such as Lexapro, you may want to participate in psychotherapy or “talk therapy.” These counseling sessions can help you understand how your disorder affects you and find ways to cope with the illness. Regular physical exercise can also improve feelings of well-being. In addition, it may help to cut back on or eliminate caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, or soda. To find out which of these or other suggestions might be right for you, talk with your healthcare professional.
13. Will Lexapro affect my sex drive?
Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction may occur during a depressive episode, they may also be a consequence of treatment with SSRI therapies including Lexapro. If you have questions about sexual dysfunction, speak with your healthcare professional.
14. Can I drink alcoholic beverages while taking Lexapro?
You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Lexapro.
15. What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your prescribed dose of Lexapro, take the missed dose that same day as soon as you remember. The next day, resume according to your regular dosing schedule. Doubling a daily dose to compensate for a missed dose is not recommended. If you have additional questions about dosing, please talk to your healthcare professional.
16. What if I have more questions about Lexapro?
Your healthcare professional should be able to answer any questions you have about your treatment. For additional information, please see Full Prescribing Information for Lexapro.
17. For how long should I take Lexapro?

Depression and generalized anxiety disorder are usually chronic medical conditions that may require long-term treatment. If your symptoms are currently controlled and you stop taking your medication for a few days, you run the risk of a relapse.

However, it is important to take your medicine as long as your healthcare professional advises, even if you start feeling better; otherwise your depression or anxiety could return or worsen. Full recovery takes time.
18. Will Lexapro work better than my current medication?
Only your healthcare professional can determine whether Lexapro is the right treatment option for you. Speak with your healthcare professional before stopping any medication. Only a healthcare professional can make decisions regarding your treatment. For more information about talking with your healthcare professional, see: Talk with Your Doctor.
19. Is there a generic Lexapro?
No, there is no available generic version of Lexapro. If your healthcare professional prescribed Lexapro, make sure your pharmacist fills as prescribed. Your healthcare professional prescribed Lexapro for a reason and can share with you why they chose Lexapro for you. For more information, see: Why Take Lexapro or Talk with Your Doctor.
Source: http://www.lexapro.com

Tags: Advil, Aleve, anorgasmia, anxiety, aspirin, back pain, decreased libido, difficulty sleeping, Diuretics, ejaculation disorder, fatigue and drowsiness, GAD, ibuprofen, increased sweating, insomnia, Lexapro, Motrin, naproxen, nasal congestion, nausea, primarily ejaculation delay, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, serotonin, Side Effects of Lexapro, SSRI, Treatment for Depression, urinary tract infection, vomiting, warfarin

XANAX XR

admin — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:47:39 +0000

What is XANAX XR?

XANAX XR is a prescription medication for the treatment of patients with panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. It belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Some medicines of this kind have to be taken 2 to 4 times a day. You may feel calm after you take the medicine but then lose that feeling before it’s time to take the next dose. That’s because the medicine’s effects can wear off between doses if not taken as directed by your doctor.

XANAX XR gives you the benefits of a benzodiazepine in a once-daily formula. Take it in the morning, and it can help you all day long. You won’t have to watch the clock or feel like you might miss a dose by mistake.

XANAX XR can effectively reduce the occurrence of panic attacks, which include periods of intense fear accompanied by 4 or more of the following symptoms:*

racing heart
sweating
trembling
shortness of breath
feeling of choking
chest pain or discomfort
nausea or abdominal distress

faintness or dizziness
feelings of unreality
fear of going crazy or
losing control
fear of dying
numbness or tingling
chills or hot flushes

How long does it take to work?

When you start taking XANAX XR, you may not feel its effects right away. This is because it is released slowly into your system so that it will last throughout the day. As shown in the chart below, XANAX XR took 1.6 hours to reach maximum benefit, compared to 1.5 hours with XANAX® (alprazolam) (see full prescribing information for XANAX) suggesting that it essentially works just as quickly.

While all patients are different, some patients may begin to see improvement in their symptoms as early as the first week. However, the full effect may take several weeks. To get the full benefit of your medicine, be sure to take it as prescribed by your doctor.

*These symptoms can be signs of another underlying condition; make sure to follow up with your physician and get regular checkups.

Source: http://www.xanax.com/considering-xanaxxr.asp

Tags: Alprazolam, benzodiazepines, chest pain or discomfort, chills or hot flushes, faintness or dizziness, fear of dying, fear of going crazy or, feeling of choking, feelings of unreality, losing control, nausea or abdominal distress, numbness or tingling, panic disorder, racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, XANAX XR

Antianxiety Medications Anti-Anxiety Drugs

admin — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:50:24 +0000

Antianxiety Medications Anti-Anxiety Drugs Introduction

Everyone experiences anxiety at one time or another “butterflies in the stomach” before giving a speech or sweaty palms during a job interview are common symptoms. Other symptoms of anxiety include irritability, uneasiness, jumpiness, feelings of apprehension, rapid or irregular heartbeat, stomach ache, nausea, faintness, and breathing problems. Anxiety is often manageable and mild. But sometimes it can present serious problems. A high level or prolonged state of anxiety can be very incapacitating, making the activities of daily life difficult or impossible.

Besides generalized anxiety, other anxiety disorders are panic, phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post traumatic stress disorder. Phobias, which are persistent, irrational fears and are characterized by avoidance of certain objects, places, and things, sometimes accompany anxiety. A panic attack is a severe form of anxiety that may occur suddenly and is marked with symptoms of nervousness, breathlessness, pounding heart, and sweating. Sometimes the fear that one may die is present.

Antianxiety medications help to calm and relax the anxious person and remove the troubling symptoms. There are a number of antianxiety medications currently available. The preferred medications for most anxiety disorders are the benzodiazepines. In addition to the benzodiazepines, a non-benzodiazepine, buspirone (BuSpar), is used for generalized anxiety disorders.

Antidepressants are also effective for panic attacks and some phobias and are often prescribed for these conditions. They are also sometimes used for more generalized forms of anxiety, especially when it is accompanied by depression. The medications approved by the FDA for use in OCD are all antidepressants clomipramine, fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), followed by chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax, Libritabs). Benzodiazepines are relatively fast-acting medications; in contrast, buspirone must be taken daily for 2 or 3 weeks prior to exerting its antianxiety effect. Most benzodiazepines will begin to take effect within hours, some in even less time. Benzodiazepines differ in duration of action in different individuals; they may be taken two or three times a day, or sometimes only once a day. Dosage is generally started at a low level and gradually raised until symptoms are diminished or removed. The dosage will vary a great deal depending on the symptoms and the individual’s body chemistry.

Benzodiazepines have few side effects. Drowsiness and loss of coordination are most common; fatigue and mental slowing or confusion can also occur. These effects make it dangerous to drive or operate some machinery when taking benzodiazepines especially when the patient is just beginning treatment. Other side effects are rare. Benzodiazepines combined with other medications can present a problem, notably when taken together with commonly used substances such as alcohol. It is wise to abstain from alcohol when taking benzodiazepines, as the interaction between benzodiazepines and alcohol can lead to serious and possibly life-threatening complications. Following the doctor’s instructions is important. The doctor should be informed of all other medications the patient is taking, including over-the-counter preparations. Benzodiazepines increase central nervous system depression when combined with alcohol, anesthetics, antihistamines, sedatives, muscle relaxants, and some prescription pain medications. Particular benzodiazepines may influence the action of some anticonvulsant and cardiac medications. Benzodiazepines have also been associated with abnormalities in babies born to mothers who were taking these medications during pregnancy.

With benzodiazepines, there is a potential for the development of tolerance and dependence as well as the possibility of abuse and withdrawal reactions. For these reasons, the medications are generally prescribed for brief periods of time days or weeks and sometimes intermittently, for stressful situations or anxiety attacks. For the same reason, ongoing or continuous treatment with benzodiazepines is not recommended for most people. Some patients may, however, need long-term treatment. Consult with the doctor before discontinuing a benzodiazepine. A withdrawal reaction may occur if the treatment is abruptly stopped.

Symptoms may include anxiety, shakiness, headache, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and, in more severe cases, fever, seizures, and psychosis. A withdrawal reaction may be mistaken for a return of the anxiety, since many of the symptoms are similar. Thus, after benzodiazepines are taken for an extended period, the dosage is gradually tapered off before being completely stopped. Although benzodiazepines, buspirone, tricyclic antidepressants, or SSRIs are the preferred medications for most anxiety disorders, occasionally, for specific reasons, one of the following medications may be prescribed: antipsychotic medications; antihistamines (such as Atarax, Vistaril, and others); barbiturates such as phenobarbital; and beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal, Inderide). Propanediols such as meprobamate (Equanil) were commonly prescribed prior to the introduction of the benzodiazepines, but today rarely are used.

Source: http://www.support4hope.com/medications/anti_anxiety/index.htm

Tags: Antianxiety Medications, Anxiety and panic attacks, Beta blockers, Buspirone, Linden Method, Panic Attack Medication, tranquilizer

Drug Slang and Common Drug Street Names

admin — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:13:42 +0000

Just about all illegal drugs have street names. These are the drug slang terms used by users.

Below are some common drug slang terms or drug street names:

STREET NAMES AND SLANG FOR HALLUCINOGENS
Marijuana
Pot, Reefer, Grass, Weed, Dope, Ganja, Mary Jane, or Sinsemilla, Urb,
Hashish
Hash
Mescaline and Peyote
Mesc, Buttons, and Cactus
Psilocybin (Shrooms)
Magic Mushrooms, ‘shrooms
Lysergic acid diethylamide
Acid, Microdot, White lightning, Blue heaven, and Sugar Cubes
Analog of Amphetamines or Methamphetamines
MDMA (Ecstasy, XTC, Adam, Essence), MDM, STP, PMA, 2, 5-DMA, TMA, DOM, DOB, EVE
Phencyclidine
PCP, Hog, Angel Dust, Loveboat, Lovely
Analog of Phencyclidine (PCP)
PCPy, PCE

STREET NAMES AND SLANG FOR DEPRESSANTS
Nitrous Oxide
Laughing gas or Whippets
Amyl Nitrite
Poppers or Snappers
Butyl Nitrite
Rush, Bolt, Bullet, Locker Room, and Climax
Chloro-hydrocarbons
Aerosol sprays or cleaning fluids
Hydrocarbons
Solvents
Barbiturates
Downers, Barbs, Blue Devils, Red Devils, Yellow Jackets,
Yellows, Nembutal, Tuinals, Seconal, and Amytal
Methaqualone
Quaaludes, Ludes, Sopors
Tranquilizers
Valium, Librium, Serax, Equanil, Miltown, and Tranxene

STREET NAMES AND SLANG FOR STIMULANTS
Cocaine
Coke, Snow, Nose Candy, Flake, Blow, Big C, Lady, White, and Snowbirds, Powder,
Crack Cocaine
Crack, rock, freebase, Cookie,
Amphetamines
Speed, Uppers, Ups, Black beauties, Pep pills, Co-pilots, Bumblebees, Hearts, Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Footballs, and Biphetamine
Methamphetamines
Crank, Crystal meth, Crystal methadrine, and Speed
Additional Stimulants
Ritalin, Cylert, Preludin, Didrex, Pre-State, Voranil, Sandrex, and Plegine

STREET NAMES AND SLANG FOR NARCOTICS
Heroin
Smack, Horse, Mud, Brown sugar, Junk, Black tar, and Big H
Morphine
Pectoral syrup
Opium
Paregoric, Dover’s Powder, Parepectolin
Codeine
Empirin compound with codeine, Tylenol with codeine,
Codeine in cough medicine
Meperidine
Pethidine, Demerol, Mepergan
Analog of Fentanyl (Narcotic)
Synthetic heroin, China white
Analog of Meperidine (Narcotic)
MPTP (New heroin), MPPP, synthetic heroin

Source: http://www.njlawman.com/Feature%20Pieces/Drug%20Slang.htm

Tags: Common Drug Street Names, Drug Slang

Ativan

admin — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:01:49 +0000

Ativan: Generic Name: lorazepam (oral) (lor A ze pam)

What is Ativan?

Ativan is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Ativan is used to treat anxiety disorders.

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

Important information about Ativan

Do not use Ativan if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax). This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Ativan if you are pregnant.

Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by this medication.
Ativan may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

It is dangerous to try and purchase Ativan on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of Ativan purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
Do not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to Ativan or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax).

Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

glaucoma; asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;kidney or liver disease;a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Ativan.
FDA pregnancy category D. Ativan can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Ativan without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether Ativan 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. The sedative effects of this medication may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Ativan. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I take Ativan?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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

Measure the liquid form of Ativan with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Ativan should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor’s advice. This medication may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms. Do not stop using Ativan suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Your symptoms may return when you stop using Ativan after using it over a long period of time. You may also have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Ativan. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and seizure (convulsions).

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor may need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store Ativan at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store the liquid form of Ativan in the refrigerator.

Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of lorazepam can be fatal.

Ativan overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking Ativan?
Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Ativan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Ativan. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.
What are the possible side effects of Ativan?
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. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

confusion, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;

hallucinations; or

feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness;

blurred vision;

sleep problems (insomnia);

muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;

amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;

nausea, vomiting, constipation;

appetite changes; or

skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect Ativan?

Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), pimozide (Orap), or thioridazine (Mellaril);

narcotic medications such as butorphanol (Stadol), codeine, hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph), naloxone (Narcan), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet); or

antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Asendin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), or trimipramine (Surmontil).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Ativan. 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 telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about Ativan.
What does my medication look like?

Lorazepam is available with a prescription under the brand name Ativan. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Ativan 0.5 mg – five-sided, white tablets with a raised “A” on one side

Ativan 1 mg – five-sided, white tablets with a raised “A” on one side

Ativan 2 mg – five-sided, white tablets with a raised “A” on one side
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. (‘Multum’) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum’s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum’s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Source: http://www.drugs.com/ativan.html

Tags: anxiety disorders, Ativan, benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, Librium, lorazepam, oxazepam, Serax, Tranxene, Valium

Psychiatric Drugs »» Antidepressants | Antipsychotics | Antianxiety | Antimanic Agents | Stimulants | Prescription Drugs » Category: Antianxiety

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