This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Take this medicine by mouth with or without food. SOME BRANDS OF THIS MEDICINE should be swallowed whole, and should not be chewed or crushed. If you cannot swallow this medicine whole, check with your pharmacist to see if your brand of this medicine can be crushed. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start this medicine and whenever a change in dose is made. TAKING THIS MEDICINE at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
WARNING: Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using this medicine outweigh the risks. Family and caregivers must closely watch patients who take this medicine. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (eg, venlafaxine), another SSRI (eg, paroxetine), sibutramine, thioridazine, or tryptophan. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine, selegiline), linezolid, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anorexiants (eg, phentermine), cimetidine, fentanyl, lithium, metoclopramide, serotonin 5HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), tramadol, trazodone, anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), antiarrhythmics (eg, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine), astemizole, terfenadine, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), cyproheptadine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenobarbital, phenytoin, aripiprazole, atomoxetine, clozapine, fluoxetine, procyclidine, risperidone, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), digoxin, tamoxifen, or methylene blue. IF YOUR DOCTOR TELLS YOU TO STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking this medicine. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including dehydration, low blood sodium levels, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, narrow-angle glaucoma, diabetes, or metabolism problems. Tell your doctor if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include anxiety; blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; increased sweating; increased urination; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; numbness or tingling of the skin; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; weakness; or yawning. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT FERTILITY in some men. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; loss of coordination; memory loss; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, depression, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, inability to sit still); persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; significant weight loss; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bone pain or unexplained swelling or tenderness; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; confusion; dilated pupils; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; inability to urinate; seizures; severe muscle pain; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting; tremor; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.