Sarafem and Alcohol Interaction
Sarafem and Alcohol
Sarafem belongs to the family of antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This drug affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced resulting in depression, panic, anxiety or obsessive compulsive behaviour.
This drug is used to treat major depressive disorder, the eating disorder bulimia disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is on occasion used with olanzapine to treat depression caused by bipolar disorder. This combination of drugs is also used when other drugs have not worked.
It is suggested that you do not consume alcohol when using this drug as the noted side effects will be greatly increased.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
Do not take with any MAO inhibitor drug, be aware that suicidal thoughts may occur especially if younger than 24 years of age.
Before starting this drug advise your physician if you are allergic to this drug or any other drug or substance, if you have cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, diabetes, epilepsy or seizures, bipolar disorder (manic depressive) or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are cold symptoms, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, drowsiness, dizziness, nervous, mild nausea, upset stomach, constipation, increased appetite, weight changes, sleep problems, decreased sex drive, impotence, difficult breathing orgasm or dry mouth. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe blistering, peeling or red skin rash, stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, fast uneven heartbeats, tremors, active reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, unsteady, confusion, loss of coordination, headache, lack of concentration, memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizures, shallow or stoppage of breathing. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
Sarafem and Alcohol Sarafem and Alcohol
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