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Allegra and Pregnancy

Allegra and Pregnancy


What is the current news on Allegra and pregnancy?

Though Allegra is generally harmless, even in overdose, sufficient research has not been done to determine if these is a danger to the mother or the child in the pregnancy.  Only nominal animal testing has established some link between possible birth defects and an Allegra and pregnancy overdose.  Though there is no definitive proof of this link in humans, one should contact the doctor to discuss the possibility of Allegra and pregnancy and if risk factors dictate that the treatment should be stooped.

Is Allegra and pregnancy necessary?

Allergy medication is largely unnecessary for pregnant women and provides no benefits to the child.  For that reason, doctors will generally advise that lower doses or a complete termination of Allegra and pregnancy is necessary as a precautionary measure.

What is the official regulation on Allegra and pregnancy?

The official designation from the FDA is that Allegra and pregnancy is a category C.  This means that has not been testing and a definitive danger proven, though there is some cause to consult with ones doctor in determining if an Allegra and pregnancy relationship should be terminated.

Are my allergies worse during pregnancy?

You might feel like your allergies are getting worse and that you will need Allegra and pregnancy.  In pregnancy, the mucous membranes of the mother swell.  This will increase the stuffiness that is felt during allergy season.

Talking to you doctor about Allegra and pregnancy

You should speak to a doctor when you are pregnant or may become pregnant, as all medications you are on will need to be evaluated.  You will also ask the doctor’s opinion on Allegra and pregnancy.  Opinions vary but a decision in your interest will be made to have you get allergy relief, either through Allegra and pregnancy or a safer and more established alternative that is known definitively to be safe for pregnant mothers.

 

Allegra and Benadryl

Allegra and Benadryl


Allegra and Benadryl can be used together at the same time, but one needs to speak with a doctor first before that can reliably follow any dosing, however temporary for the use of Allegra and Benadryl for severe allergy symptoms.

Why can Allegra and Benadryl be used at the same time?

Though both Allegra and Benadryl are antihistamines, there are different types of anti-histamines.  This means that there will not be an unsafe interaction between the ingredients of the two medications, though the effects might be redundant.  Allegra is fexofenadine and Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which is known to cause drowsiness.  With this in mind, one needs to take care when using Allegra and Benadryl, as those that used Allegra only will face new side effects and those side effects can affect the ability of the patient to operate and do tasks attentively.  The boilerplate warning with any allergy medication is to monitor how you are affected by it and avoid all dangerous or hazardous activity, such as driving, until you know how you are affected by drowsiness and other factors.

Can I overdose taking Allegra and Benadryl?

Although you will never want to take more than the recommended dose, Allegra is not known to cause any harm to those that exceed the recommended dosage.  There is also no benefit from exceeding the maximum recommended dose.

You should be concerned about unsafe interactions between these medications and other medications you might be taking, including exacerbating even the worst of side effects.  If this is the case, you have to disclose all medications that you are taking to the doctor before you can begin this dosing regimen.  Note that while the medical professional will ask for certain medication and test for allergies, it is in your interest to make this disclosure as there are many drugs that could interact with the Allegra and Benadryl combination.  Though none are particularly serious, being informed and being prepared for moderate side effects is a necessary step in ensuring your safety.

 

Advair Intake Instructions

Advair Intake Instructions

Guide to Advair Intake Instructions

Advair intake instructions are simple but need to be followed to be effective.  Flowing Advair intake instructions will avoid unnecessary complications and side effects.  You are to follow the Advair intake instructions provided by the doctor first before you follow any other dosing procedures you might find elsewhere.  This is a measure necessary to ensure that you are using the medication in a way that is tailored to your needs and leaves you at the smallest risk of dangerous interactions due to unanticipated reactions to the drug.  Introductory and initial Advair intake instructions generally should be followed until you are sure how you will react when taking Advair, including side effects, fatigue and other possible impairments.

What are the typical Advair intake instructions?

Again, you need to follow the instructions provided by the pharmacy or doctor, before you follow the manufacturer’s Advair intake instructions.  Note that while there are different concentrations of Advair Diskus and Advair HFA the instructions for dosage are largely the same.  Both forms must be taken twice daily and spaced 12 hours apart.  The doses must remain consistent in order for the medication to be effective at managing asthma symptoms.  All directions state that the patient must rinse and spit after taking an Advair dose.  This prevents the formation of Thrush, which is a type of yeast infection in the mouth.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, you generally should not make it up when you remember it, unless you are reasonably spaced from the next scheduled dose.  If is generally best to miss the dose rather than make it up as you will want to avoid overdosing on the medication.  Overdoses are marked by problems breathing and dizziness.

Advair intake instructions for the HFA inhaler

The HFA inhaler delivers both the corticosteroid and airway relaxant in aerosol form, which is preferred by those that are irritated by the powder shot by the Advair discuss.  The inhaler needs to be primed and the typical inhaler comes with 124 doses preloaded.  4 doses are expelled, as per Advair intake instructions, when priming the inhaler for use.  The remaining 120 is the appropriate number of doses.  This should last a patient roughly two months in a typical dosing schedule.

Advair intake instructions to clear devices

You must follow the directions to clean all devices.  This ensures that the Advair can flow freely and that harmful residue is removed before it becomes a toxic concentration or increases the chance of secondary infections in the mouth.  Swabbing and proper care is necessary to keep the inhaler in working order until a new one is issued.  Also, note that the old inhalers must be disposed of once all the doses have counted down.  There might be medication left, but there are no guarantees as to the safety and suitability of this medication beyond that point, especially in the right measured dose.

 

Advair HFA vs Advair Diskus

Advair HFA vs Advair Diskus

 

What are the differences between Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus?

There are two major differences between Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus.  In an Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus comparison, HFA contains salmeterol.  This is a beta agonist, which opens the airways and helps patients that struggle with breathing.  This is consistently 21 mcg concentration per inhaler regardless of the version of the Advair HFA provided to the patient.  The other active ingredient, which is common to both Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus is fluticasone and the dosage will depend on the severity of the condition of the patient.

How is the delivery system different for the Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus?

The Diskus gets its name from its unique shape and delivery system, using a compressed gas to shoot the corticosteroid into the airways.  It still must be cleaned regularly to ensure it is effective and residue is not ingested during the dosing. Advair HFA is delivered through a conventional inhaler.  This inhaler has to be primed and includes a counter that shows how many proper doses are left.  Instructions state to replace this inhaler once there are twenty doses to go and doses after the counter runs out cannot be trusted to be the reliable measured dose.

What are some similarities of Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus?

Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus are essentially the same medication, with the addition of the salmeterol in Advair HFA to treat more severe lung disorders and trouble breathing.  Both medications need to be taken twice a day under a normal dose, twelve hours apart.  In addition, the inhaler has to be cleaned at least once a week.  a danger with both medications is the potential for infection and thrush in the mouth, so both instruct those using the inhaler to rise and spit after every dose as well as clear the inhaler of residue every week.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the inhaler or Diskus weekly and avoid secondary infection or dosing improperly.

The doses must be taken consistently to be effective.  With that in mind, you will take this medication until instructed otherwise by the medical professional monitoring your asthma.

Differences in concentration for Advair HFA vs. Advair Diskus

Advair HFA comes in three forms, with differing concentrations of the corticosteroid, in micrograms.  These concentrations are 45, 115 and 230 and each inhaler is measured to have 120 doses.  The counter will read 124 as you are expected to depress the inhaler four times to prime it for use.  You will also have to prime the inhaler if several weeks have passed since the last dose, though you have to take Advair every day unless the doctor notes otherwise.

 

Risperdal

Risperdal

 

Risperdal is a drug that is prescribed to schizophrenia patients to help them deal with the disorder.  As an anti-psychotic drug, it is also prescribed to those that are bipolar or have issues with irritability as a result of autism.  The primary danger from this medication deals with medical malpractice or possible errors at the pharmacy.  In a number of cases, the Food and Drug Administration has noted a similarity with another medication, a dopamine prescribed to treat restlessness from Parkinson’s and other symptoms.  When Risperdal is prescribed incorrectly, the patient stands several dangers, including unpredictable side effects, unaccounted interactions with other medications taken by the patient and the failure to anticipate a number of risk factors that would have otherwise been evaluated if the drug were being prescribed properly for its intended purpose.  This confusion has led to the hospitalization of many, with families paying the cost of a doctor or pharmacist’s error.

 

 

How was Risperdal confused with other drugs?

 

The drug accidentally prescribed instead of Risperdal is Requip, which is a dopamine that is prescribed to those with restless leg syndrome or Parkinson’s disease.  Those that suffer from this disease are in need of a dopamine to moderate their bodily movements.  The confusion over the two medicines does both ways, with Requip prescribed instead of Risperdal and Risperdal prescribed instead of Requip.  Both sets of patients suffer complications as a result.

 

Risperdal mix-ups are the result of poor handwriting on prescription, confusion on the part of any medical or pharmaceutical professional that handles the prescription, similarities in the name/packaging/labels and similar dosage.  Though the dosage is similar, accidentally taking dopamine-based drugs are dangerous for those that do not need them, facilitating addiction and other dangerous complications.

 

Patients are generally not accountable for mistakes made with their medication.  No medical professional, pharmacist or court can establish that you were aware that you were of the medication you were taking or responsible for the dosage.  Ultimately, the medical professionals will have to be held accountable and civil action can be taken against them, as needed.  Users of Ropinirole (Requip) will also have grounds for civil action

 

Particularly dangerous side effects

 

Many drugs have side effects and many of those side effects are minor.  The failure to anticipate for the severe side effects, especially when it reacts within the patient’s body, is grounds for a civil suit.  The most service side effect from Risperdal is a stroke, which commonly occurs in those that have dementia.  The interaction of the drugs and the brain disorder are likely to make matters worse for the patient and ultimately the doctor has a standard of care to prevent these situations from arising in the first place.

 

What do I do if I believe I have been prescribed Risperdal incorrectly?

 

You must verify that the medication is incorrect with a trusted pharmacist.  Once you have definite proof from the expert that you have been given the wrong medication or dosage, you will need to speak with a Risperdal lawyer.  These lawyers are experts at dealing with claims related to this and other medications that are wrongfully or incorrectly prescribed.  The actions that you take next will need to be discussed with the Risperdal lawyer.  You do not want to confront any individual with the false medication or incorrect orders without first speaking with an attorney.

 

Why should I hand over the Risperdal matter to an attorney?

 

When you are given the wrong drug and are injured by it, you are entitled to damages.  Risperdal is widely prescribed and generally safe, but only when prescribed properly.  Therefore, you will be able to collect compensation, but only if you manage the legal matter carefully, preventing any guilty parties from organizing a defense to your claim and other complications.

 

Meeting with a Risperdal attorney

 

Find a Risperdal attorney you can trust and describe in detail the following information:

 

          Warnings given by the doctor and pharmacist

 

          Dosage instructions

 

          Questions you asked either professional

 

          Side-effects you experienced

 

          The cost of seeking treatment for those side effects

 

          Current pain and suffering from taking the drug

 

          Impact of the untreated schizophrenia or other illness that would have been dealt with by using Risperdal

 

Any of these factors will contribute to what you can collect in a medical malpractice suit.  Note that when filing suit based on Risperdal dosing, you must demonstrate that the side-effect experienced are directly related to the medication rather than your actual condition.  The direct correlation between the drug and damage to you must be recognized.  In general, very medication has a litany of side effects, but only the most severe, with a direct relationship to the medication, will be considered as the basis of a claim for compensation.

 

Damages to be collected from a Risperdal lawsuit

 

If you are misdiagnosed or prescribed medication that is not Risperdal then you are entitled to damages.  The compensatory damages will account for short term injuries and medical expenses, as well as the probable wages lost from the inability to work and the cost of insurance.  Compensatory damages can be quantified and the Risperdal attorney will help you reach a reasonable figure.  As is the case with most medical malpractice suits, you will be seeking pain and suffering damages.  Since Risperdal treated mental disorders, the potential to collect these damages is very high and the untreated disorder has surely impacted one’s life.

 

Finding and compensating a Risperdal lawyer for your legal matter. 

 

You will conduct your search for a Risperdal attorney by finding the attorney that offers free consultations, gives you a fair case evaluation and will work on contingency.  Almost all medical malpractice cases proceed on contingency with the Risperdal attorney being paid only when damages are recovered.  You may opt to take a settlement in a Risperdal malpractice case and this is advisable once the attorney agrees that this is a fair compensation offer.

 

Seroquel

Seroquel

 
Seroquel is the brand name of the drug Quetiapine, which is a drug that is used to treat mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar behavior.  Unlike other medications designed to treat these symptoms, Seroquel is slow-release, which is useful to moderate the medication that enters the body.  It does however have the effect similar to a sedative, which has been shown to have adverse effects on the body.  Generally speaking, Seroquel is largely safe and effective, but only when prescribed at appropriate doses and for the right reasons, with consideration for side effects and label warnings.  There is a chance one can be prescribed Seroquel inappropriately.  This is generally not an issue with the manufacturer, but rather the pharmacist or medical professional.  If you are prescribed Seroquel inappropriately, then are sickened because of it, it is within your rights as a patient to sue for damages.
 
 
Standards to sue for damages
 
 
When working on a medical malpractice case related to Seroquel prescriptions, know that the standard to collect damages always involve real damages done to the patient that result from the use of the drug only.  Any complications or worsening condition that is found to be independent of the effects of Seroquel will not be used as a standard to collect any forms of damages.
 
 
Disproven claims about Seroquel
 
 
Seroquel at one point was prescribed to patients with dementia, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s.  Not only was Seroquel found ineffective for the treatment and improvement of cognitive function, but also increased the risk of death for these patients.  The FDA has provided no approval for the treatment of dementia with the use of Seroquel. As such, you will be able to make a case for damages if you or a loved one is prescribed Seroquel for dementia and the patient is then injured or harmed while on the medication.
 
 
Obligations of the patient
 
 
The patient is not entitled to collect any damages if they overdose on Seroquel by failing to follow instructions.  The instructions and other information must be provided to them at the very least on the label and with additional documentation as needed.  The doctor and pharmacist will also explain the use of Seroquel to the patient.  The patient cannot be held accountable for incorrect information passed to them by a medical professional and when wrong dosing directions are given, the patient will be able to file medical malpractice against them for prescribing Seroquel incorrectly.
 
 
Other risks
 
 
Anti-depressants, such as Seroquel are likely to increase suicidal thoughts in younger adults and children and there is a general age restriction on the use of Seroquel for people of this age unless the doctor believes that Seroquel is necessary for treatment and that a combination of other mental issues will not affect the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and other issues.  When a minor is affected by the Seroquel medication, you will need to speak with a Seroquel to determine to what extent certain risk factors could have been mitigated, as well as the likelihood that the harm could have been avoided.  As is the case with all medical malpractice issues, the damage don’t by Seroquel must be directly related to the interaction of the medication with risk factors and not unrelated complications.
 
 
Informing the doctor
 
 
There is a general obligation of the patient to inform the doctor of certain risk factors and other issues that might preclude the prescription of Seroquel.  This includes recent surgery, pregnancy and family history of disease.  The doctor still however, has the obligation to check for notable risk factors, run necessary tests and take all other reasonable measures to ensure that side effects and other factors will not occur when dosing Seroquel for mental issues.
 
 
Meeting with an attorney for Seroquel litigation
 
 
There are some grounds to pursue litigation, especially for patients with dementia or those that had had severe side effects caused by the medication.  When discussing the legal matter with the Seroquel attorney, you will have to disclose the measures taken by the doctor to determine the safety and suitability of Seroquel for your symptoms.  You will also note the instructions provided to you for the proper dosage, if any.  That is the most important factor in determining fault for an overdose.  You will also need to account for the damages done to you, though there might not be enough time remaining in the consultation.  Should you accept legal services, be prepared to account for damages to be sought at a later date.
 
 
Accounting for damages
 
 
The Seroquel attorney helps you to account for the damages done to you, though the final determination is made in court if you win or if you accept a settlement prior to going to court.  Factors considered when determining compensatory and non-economic damages include:
 
 
Medical expenses for the initial visit with the doctor
 
 
Cost of seeking medical treatment for the side effects
 
 
Cost of missing work (i.e. lost wages)
 
 
Impact of unrelated mental disorders that should have been treated by Seroquel
 
 
Ongoing pain and suffering
 
 
What you collect varies on the determined negligence of the other party.  The Seroquel can help you anticipate what you will collect but this is never a guarantee.
 
 
Finding and paying Seroquel attorneys
 
 
You will pay contingency fees for the service provided to you by the Seroquel attorney.  The contingency fee is a percentage collection from the damages won on your behalf and this percentage is noted in any fee agreement you have with the Seroquel attorney
 
 
A number of attorneys will specialize in litigation over certain medication, such as Seroquel.  If possible, work with these experienced attorneys on that matter.  Seroquel attorneys will be well aware of similar cases and have better benchmarks for acceptable compensation.  The easiest way to find Seroquel attorneys will be to use the internet but if you need local results, contact the state or local bar association for more information about lawyer referral services and directories to find a Seroquel attorney.
 
 

Advair Strengths

Advair Strengths

 
What are Advair strengths?
 
 
Advair strengths include reducing inflammation and irritation in the airways.  This is important in the management of asthmatic symptoms prior to attacks or just in everyday activity.  Advair effects include stopping wheezing and helping patients to breathe better, though this depends very heavily on the patient and their receptiveness to the medication.
 
 
How do I maximize the Advair strengths?
 
 
To get the maximum Advair effects, it needs to be used daily, rather than when one feels the symptoms.  You have to follow the dosing instructions as well.  While some might be instructed to take the medication once a day, the typical dosage of this drug for maximum Advair effects is twice a day, twelve hours apart.  Though you do not clean the inhaler, you should rise out afterward to remove residual medication as there are no benefic Advair effects to having the medication in the mouth.
 
 
Can I use a quick relief inhaler to maximize Advair strengths?
 
 
The instructions for Advair effects state that the use of a quick-relief inhaler is redundant and therefore should only be used in an emergency.  The doctor’s dosing instructions will better qualify what this means and when you can use the quick-relief inhaler.
 
 
To ensure you get the maximum Advair strengths as well as avoid overdoses and other issues, you will need to disclose all inhalers and other medications used to the doctor.  Never use new medications without first consulting with the doctor for warnings and other possible Advair effects applicable to your health situation.  Some medication ns must be taken to avoid unnecessary withdrawal or other premature reactions, but only the doctor can determine which Advair effects are applicable and what else must be done to your dosing regimen.
 
 
When should I consider Advair?
 
 
If you have chronic issues with breathing related to asthma, then the Advair strengths are applicable to you and you should explore your options with the doctor.  The doctor will ask you about the medications you are taking as well as run some necessary tests.  You will proceed to take a prescription written for Advair to a trusted pharmacy.  If you seek an Advair coupon, go directly to the manufacturer or drug’s website.  No other source has a reliable discount that will be accepted.  In generally, there are no free samples, but you can commit to try the drug for thirty days under some arrangements with the manufacturer, as long as one has a prescription to have the medicine dispensed by a pharmacy.
 
 
Advair is also prescribed for chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases, but the doctor will need to review patient's medical history before this course of action can be taken.
 
 
Do I have a cheaper alternative to Advair strengths?
 
 
There is no approved generic for Advair as the company still holds the applicable patent.  Until that time you must work with coupons when made available by the manufacturer to afford this medication.
 
 

Serzone

Serzone

 
Dangerous Drug Facts: Serzone (Nefazodone)
 
 
For what is Serzone (Nefazodone) used?
 
 
Serzone’s main purpose is to treat depression, and like other antidepressants, is used to balance certain chemicals in the brain like serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and others.  Serzone is a serious and dangerous drug if used incorrectly, and this article will discuss the dangers of the drug, precautions, multiple side effects, and other important facts about the Ser.  
 
 
If you are taking Serzone and researching the drug for side affects you are experiencing, you need to contact your doctor right away.  
 
 
Serzone’s Dangerous Side Effects
 
 
During the testing of Ser. in clinical study, a small number of children, teenagers, and young adults up to 24 years old started to become suicidal. The suicidal thoughts associated with Serzone’s use normally appear around the start of taking the medication, and effects can also typically appear when a patient changes doses.  
 
 
If you have any of the following symptoms while taking Ser., you need to tell a family member and contact your doctor immediately: 
 
 
New or worsening depression
 
 
Thoughts of harming or even killing yourself
 
 
Extreme worry
 
 
Agitation
 
 
Panic attacks 
 
 
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
 
 
Aggressive behavior 
 
 
acting without thinking
 
 
Erratic excitement 
 
 
You need to discuss family history with depression, bipolar disorder, or any other type of mental illness with your doctor before they can prescribe Serzone.  
 
 
Other Precautions to Serzone
 
 
Apart from talking about family history for mental illness, you also need to take other precautions with your doctor before trying Ser.  Some precautions before taking Serzone are listed below: 
 
 
tell your doctor if you’ve experienced one of Serzone’s (Nefozodone) allergic reactions, an allergic reaction to trazodone (Desyrel), or even any other medications
 
 
If you’re taking astemizole, carbamazepine, cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine, or triazolam, your doctor will usually avoid prescribing Serzone
 
 
tell your doctor of ALL prescription and nonprescription medications you’ve taken or all herbal products you planning on taking along with Serzone’s prescription
 
 
tell the doctor if you’ve had a history of seizures, heart attacks, chest pain, stroke, or any other type of heart disease
 
 
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast feeding, and if you become pregnant while taking Ser., you need to call your doctor right away
 
 
If you are having surgery, tell the surgeon or dentist you are taking Ser. 
 
 
avoid driving machinery when starting the medication because Serzone’s effects can make you drowsy or affect your motor skills in some cases
 
 
avoid drinking any amounts of alcohol while taking Ser., as the combination of these drugs can become dangerous and even deadly in some cases
 
 
if you have just started the medication, Serzone’s effects can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting if you stand up too quickly after lying down—try getting out of bed slowly while taking Ser. 
 
 
notify your doctor if you start experiencing any diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration, as these symptoms with Serzone can cause a drop in blood pressure
 
 
Side Effects Associated with Serzone’s Use
 
 
Serzone’s use can cause mild and serious side effects in some cases, even if you are taking the medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor.  Some common side effects associated with Ser. that may become serious (in which you should notify your doctor) include: 
 
 
Headache
 
Difficulty concentrating
 
Dry mouth
 
Heartburn
 
flushing or feeling warm
 
Pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in hands or feet
 
Constipation
 
 
More serious side effects associated with Ser. include the following: 
 
 
Rash
 
hives
 
itching
 
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
 
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eye, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
 
Hoarseness 
 
Slow heartbeat 
 
Memory problems
 
Blurred vision or vision changes
 
Confusion
 
Seizures
 
Painful erection lasting more than 4 hours
 
 
Serzone’s use can cause multiple other minor and serious side effects, and you need to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any abnormal changes while taking this medication.  If you have a new severe allergic reaction to Serzone, your doctor may submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program to educate the public about other effects associated with Ser. 
 
 
How am I Supposed to Use Serzone (Nefazodone)?
 
 
The pill is taken by mouth around the same times every day.  Serzone’s frequency is usually twice a day, but your doctor may start you on a very low dose that will be taken only once a week and gradually increase in dose.  
 
 
Oppositely, if your doctor wants you to stop taking Serzone, they will usually decrease the dose slowly so there are not dramatic changes.  If you are feeling better after taking Serzone, you should never stop taking the medication, and you should follow all directions from your doctor and the information packet that comes with the medication.  If you have any questions about Serzone’s use, ask your doctor.  
 
 
What should I do if I forget to take a dose of Serzone?
 
 
If you have forgotten to take the medication, you should take the dose of Ser. as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose.  If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and start your regular schedule, and DO NOT EVER take two doses of Ser. 
 
 
Signs and Steps for Suspected Overdose
 
 
If you know some that has been taking the medication or a related medication for Serzone’s purposes, you need to call the local poison control center at (800) 222-1222.  If the victim suspected of overdosing from Serzone’s use is collapsed or not breathing, you need to call the local emergency services at 911.  Common symptoms of Ser. include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and lack of response from the victim.  
 
 
If you have any other questions about this drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist.  Don’t ever abuse this medication, and never give the medication to another person.  Abusing prescriptions is a felony!
 
 

Symbyax

Symbyax

 
Dangerous Drug Facts: Symbyax
 
 
Common Uses of Symbyax
 
 
Symbyax’s (Olazapine and Fluoxetine HCI Capsules) uses include treatment of treatment-resistant (TRD) and bipolar I depression in adults.  Symbyax was first developed to treat bipolar I depression, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later approved the medication for treatment with TRD.
 
 
Treatment-resistant depression is defined as a major depressive disorder in adults who do not respond to 2 or more separate trials of different antidepressants in significant doses and duration.  Symbyax’s release on the market has helped numerous individuals, but the drug has also shown serious and sometimes fatal side effects. 
 
 
If you are experiencing any of the side effects listed within this article associated with Symbyax’s use, you need to tell a family member and contact your doctor right away.  
 
 
Dangerous Side Effects of Symbyax
 
 
Antidepressants like Sym. have been known to increase thoughts of suicide and similar behavior in children, teens, and young adults.  Sym is prescribed to adults, but if you or anyone you know show signs of new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts or suicide, you need to contact a doctor immediately.  
 
 
The symptoms associated with Symbyax’s use may appear more frequently during the first couple of months of treatment or if the dose amount is changed by a physician.  Sym. is not prescribed to child or adolescents because of its high correlation with increased suicidal thoughts, and the medication is not prescribed to elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.  
 
 
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Symbyax?
 
 
Your doctor will review your medical history and past medications when thinking about prescribing Sym.  You should never take Symbyax if you’ve taken a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) in the last two weeks, and you should never take an MAOI within 5 weeks of stopping Sym.  The side effects associated with Symbyax’s use and a MAOI at the same time can be serious and deadly.  
 
 
Your doctor will not prescribe Sym. if you’ve already take Mellaril (thioridazine) or the antipsychotic medicine pimozide (Orap).  Additionally, your doctor will not prescribe Sym. if you take any olanzapines liked Zyprexa, Zyprexa Relprew, or Zyprexa Zydis or take any fluoxetine hydrochlorides like Prozac, Prozac Weekly, or Sarafem.  You should also discuss all other prescription and over-the-counter drugs (including herbs) you take while discussing Symbyax’s use with your doctor.  
 
 
Additionally, you’ll want to discuss any health concerns you’ve had in the past or may have in the future before taking Symbyax.  Your doctor may avoid prescribing Sym. if any of the following conditions apply: 
 
 
Heart problems
 
Seizures
 
Diabetes or high blood sugar levels
 
High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
 
Liver problems
 
Low or high blood pressure
 
 
Strokes or “mini-strokes”
 
bleeding problems 
 
Alzheimer’s disease or family history
 
Narrow-angle glaucoma
 
Enlarged prostate 
 
Bowel obstruction
 
Breast cancer
 
Plans to become pregnant or if you are already pregnant 
 
 
Common Side Effects Associated with Symbyax
 
 
Symbyax’s use can cause common side effects, and a doctor will only prescribe Sym. if they believe the positive benefits of the medication outweigh the negative effects.  A doctor will usually start a patient out with a small dose of Symbyax and gradually work them up to a normal dose of 3mg/25mg, 6mg/25 mg, 6mg/50mg, 12mg/25mg, or 12mg/50mg of olanzapine/fluoxetine.  
 
 
Side effects may increase or decrease depending on Symbax’s dose amount, and some common side effects associated with the drug include the following: 
 
 
Tiredness 
 
feeling weak
 
increased appetite 
 
sleep for long periods of time
 
blurred vision
 
Tremors or shakes
 
Dry mouth
 
swelling of the hands and feet
 
 
There are other side effects associated with Symbyax’s use, and you’ll want to read the information packet that comes along with your medication in order to identify related side effects in the future.  
 
 
Other Serious and Dangerous Side Effects While Using Symbyax
 
 
Symbyax’s use can cause other serious side effects apart from suicidal thoughts or actions.  Most people will show no side effects while taking Sym. but others may face any of the serious side effects: 
 
 
1. High Blood Sugar (hyperglycemia) – taking Sym. will usually increase everyone’s blood sugar a bit, but having a history of diabetes can pose a serious risk to your well-being, and common signs of high blood sugar include the following: 
 
 
feeling abnormally thirsty
 
need to urinate more than usual
 
feeling very hungry
 
feeling weak or tired
 
feeling sick to the stomach
 
Feeling confused
 
Fruity smelling breath 
 
 
2. High Cholesterol and Triglycerides- Symbyax’s use can cause very high fat levels in the blood if the patient took olanzapine before they were 18
 
 
3. Increase Weight- Symbyax’s use will usually cause a person to gain some weight, and some individuals may gain more weight than others
 
 
4. Severe Allergic Reactions- Symbyax’s use can cause severe and life threatening allergic reactions, and you need to contact a doctor immediately if you experience hives or a rash, high fever and joint pain, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
 
 
5. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome- NMS is rare but can cause death if not treated, and you need to contact your doctor if you experience any high fever, excessive sweating, rigid muscles, confusion, or changes in breathing, heartbeat, or blood pressure while taking Symbyax
 
 
6. Tardive dyskinesia- Symbyax or coming off of Sym. can cause uncontrollable movements (especially of the face and tongue)
 
 
7. Serotonin syndrome- Symbyax’s use can cause this serious syndrome, and you need to tell your doctor if you experience any hallucinations, over-active reflexes, nausea, vomiting, or racing heart beat
 
 
8. Abnormal bleeding- Symbyax can cause unusual bleeding and bruising, especially when taken with a blood thinner, anti-inflammatory, or even aspirin 
 
 
9. Low Salt Levels- Symbyax’s use can cause hyponatremia, and you need to tell your doctor right away if you feel weak or confused, have problems concentrating, or have constant headaches
 
 
The use of Sym. can cause other serious side effects, and you need to discuss all proper side effects and precautions with your doctor before considering Symbyax.