Fetzima

Description

Fetzima, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults.

Fetzima comes in oral extended-release capsules in the following strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg

Directions

Fetzima medication should be taken as directed by your doctor. Any questions or concerns should be referred to your doctor or pharmacist.

Recommended starting Fetzima dosage: 20 mg by mouth once daily for two days. The dose is then increased to 40 mg by mouth once daily.

Depending on your tolerance and response to Fetzima, your doctor may decide to increase your dose, up to a maximum of 120 mg daily.

A lower dose may be required in patients with kidney problems.

Ingredients

Levomilnacipran hydrochloride (HCl) is the active ingredient in each capsule. Ethylcellulose, hypromellose, povidone, sugar spheres, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate, black iron oxide, red iron oxide (80 mg and 120 mg capsules), shellac glaze, and yellow iron oxide (20 mg and 40 mg capsules) are the inactive ingredients.

Contraindications

Patients should not take Fetzima if they have an allergy to levomilnacipran, milnacipran HCl, or to any of the ingredients in the medication.

MAOIs for psychiatric disorders should be avoided with Fetzima or within seven days of Fetzima discontinuation.

Fetzima should be avoided for at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI for psychiatric disorders.

Fetzima should be avoided with linezolid and methylene blue.

Cautions

Fetzima has an FDA Boxed Warning regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Patients should be closely monitored and treated for clinical worsening or emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Fetzima is not approved for pediatric use.

• Before you start taking Fetzima, inform your doctor of:
• All the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications
• Your allergies
• Your health history and current medical problems
• Your status of pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Taking Fetzima alone or with other medications that can cause serotonin syndrome can increase the risk for this serious effect. If serotonin syndrome occurs, emergency care should be sought immediately.
• High blood pressure and a rapid heart rate can occur with Fetzima.
• The risk of bleeding is increased when taking Fetzima with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; i.e., ibuprofen and naproxen), aspirin, warfarin, or other medications that can thin the blood.
• Angle closure glaucoma can occur with Fetzima use.
• Urinary hesitation or retention can occur with Fetzima use.
• Fetzima can activate mania/hypomania; therefore, patients should be screened for bipolar disorder.
• Seizures can occur with Fetzima use.
• When being stopped, Fetzima should be slowly tapered off.
• Low sodium levels in the blood can occur with Fetzima use.
• Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, can occur with Fetzima use.

Side Effects

Fetzima is associated with, but not limited to, the following side effects: nausea, constipation, excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, erectile dysfunction, vomiting, and palpitations. If you experience side effects that worry you or won’t go away, inform your doctor immediately.

You can buy Fetzima online at a competitive price and with a valid prescription from your doctor here.

Reference:

Fetzima. Madison, NJ: Allergan USA, Inc.; 2021.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....