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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
WARNINGSUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGSAntidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of SARAFEM or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. SARAFEM is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use in Specific Populations].Description for SarafemSARAFEM (fluoxetine hydrochloride tablets) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for oral administration. It is designated (±)-N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[(α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]propylamine hydrochloride and has the empirical formula of C17H18F3NO•HCl. Its molecular weight is 345.79. The structural formula is:Fluoxetine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a solubility of 14 mg/mL in water.Each SARAFEM tablet contains fluoxetine hydrochloride equivalent to 10 mg (32.3 μmol), 15 mg (48.5 μmol) or 20 mg (64.7 μmol) of fluoxetine. Each tablet also contains microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminum lake (10 mg and 20 mg tablets), and D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake (10 mg and 20 mg tablets). Uses for SarafemPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)SARAFEM is indicated for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) [see Clinical Studies].The effectiveness of SARAFEM in long-term use (that is, for more than 6 months) has not been systematically evaluated in placebo-controlled trials. The use of SARAFEM for extended periods should be periodically re-evaluated for the individual patient [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].Dosage for SarafemTreatmentThe recommended dose of SARAFEM for the treatment of PMDD is 20 mg/day given continuously (every day of the menstrual cycle) or intermittently (defined as starting a daily dose 14 days prior to theanticipated onset of menstruation through the first full day of menses and repeating with each new cycle). The dosing regimen should be based on individual patient characteristics. In a study comparing continuous dosing of fluoxetine 20 and 60 mg/day to placebo, both doses were proven to be effective, but there was no statistically significant added benefit for the 60 mg/day compared with the 20 mg/day dose. Fluoxetine doses above 60
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