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What is Sarafem
FluoxetineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFluoxetine is an antidepressant medication approved by the FDA in 1987. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is commonly prescribed to treat depression, as well as other mental disorders.
Prozacis the brand name
Sarafem Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Prozac
Fluoxetine
1987
490
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses such as Bipolar Disorder and Depression .Bipolar Disorder
Used to treat Bipolar 1 Disorder in combination with Olanzapine
Depression
Used to treat Depression in combination with Olanzapine
Unipolar Depression
Used to treat Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode in combination with Olanzapine
Effectiveness
How Sarafem Affects PatientsFluoxetine is an antidepressant that works by keeping serotonin levels high in certain parts of the brain. It doesn't interact strongly with other brain receptors which is why it has fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants.
How Sarafem works in the bodyFluoxetine is a medicine used to treat depression. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps to regulate mood. Fluoxetine specifically blocks the reuptake of serotonin, which makes more of it available to the brain. Fluoxetine also interacts with a certain kind of receptor, which helps to increase the levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain as well. This helps to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
When to interrupt dosage
The amount of Sarafem is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, including Myoclonus, Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Depression. The dosage also relies on the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet, coated or Oral) featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Premature Ejaculation
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Cataplexy
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Bulimia Nervosa
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Anorexia Nervosa
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Panic Disorder
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Alcoholism
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Unipolar Depression
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
moderate to severe symptoms
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Depression
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Myoclonus
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Bipolar Disorder
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
maintenance therapy
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Depression
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Warnings
Sarafem has five counter-indications and should not be engaged with when encountering any of the conditions outlined in the following table.Sarafem ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Sarafem Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Sarafem Toxicity & Overdose RiskIn most cases, symptoms related to overdosing on fluoxetine are mild and short-lived, including drowsiness, shaking, fast heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to provide supportive care in these cases. However, more severe symptoms have been reported in cases where fluoxetine was taken with other drugs or substances. These can include seizures, signs of serotonin syndrome, and muscle breakdown. In one case, a patient who took 1400mg of fluoxetine had a seizure 3 hours later. Another patient who took 1.2g of fluoxetine experienced seizures and other serious symptoms.
Sarafem Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Sarafem?
881 active studies are currently investigating the capacity of Sarafem to alleviate Disease, Anorexia Nervosa and serve as maintenance therapy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Unipolar Depression
54 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2
Depression
196 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 3
Bulimia Nervosa
14 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Alcoholism
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3
Anorexia Nervosa
0 Actively Recruiting
moderate to severe symptoms
0 Actively Recruiting
Bipolar Disorder
0 Actively Recruiting
Depression
367 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3
Panic Disorder
0 Actively Recruiting
Myoclonus
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
16 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 1
maintenance therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Cataplexy
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Premature Ejaculation
0 Actively Recruiting
Sarafem Reviews: What are patients saying about Sarafem?
5Patient Review
2/23/2010 I was really pleased with how well Sarafem worked for me, but my pharmacist told me it's been discontinued. Do any other treatments work as well?
5Patient Review
4/25/2012 I lost weight while taking this drug, even though I had no appetite.
5Patient Review
4/11/2017 I took this medication many years ago and it was a complete game-changer for me. I experienced much more calm while dealing with my monthly period and found that I didn't make as many bad decisions because of the drama associated with it. I'm disappointed that doctors now don't seem to know about this medication and that it may have been discontinued. If it works, which it did for me, then it should be available to those who need it.
5Patient Review
1/2/2010 I am currently researching Sarafem. All reviews have been very helpful. I am feeling tense, overwhelmed, and angry. I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow, and I am hoping to find some relief from these symptoms!
5Patient Review
10/31/2013 I only used this treatment for a short while, but I definitely noticed a difference in my depression and PMDD. Agitation levels decreased significantly and I felt well enough to get out of bed after a week of being depressed.
5Patient Review
1/6/2010 This treatment has helped me in the past, and I hope it will continue to be effective.
5Patient Review
12/26/2009 This medication has been very helpful to me.
5Patient Review
11/9/20095Patient Review
12/10/20094.7Patient Review
6/10/2010 I found that this drug helped to stabilize my mood and make me less irritable in the two weeks leading up to my period. It's been a total game-changer for me, and I would definitely recommend it to other women who deal with similar issues.
4Patient Review
7/25/2019 Many doctors won't tell women this, but Sarafem is Prozac. They're the exact same drug; they just changed the name because of prozac's reputation as being for "crazy people." Its actual use was for depression, so I switched from prozac to sarafem for that reason. I didn't want people judging me based on the bottle. Just wanted to make sure all of you were aware of this.
3.7Patient Review
5/17/2010 I've been taking Sarafem for quite a while now, and it hasn't worked very well for me. I have a pretty bad case of depression, and some people don't believe me when I say that this drug doesn't work. My doctor said she would put me on a stronger dosage, but she never did. If you're struggling with extreme depression, ask your doctor for a higher dose. The initial dosage probably won't help if you only have mild depression.
3.7Patient Review
7/22/2011 This medication has helped me slim down and feel more relaxed day-to-day.
3.3Patient Review
1/25/2010 This treatment is simple to take and really does help with my severe PMDD. It keeps my moods stable and also helps with the severity of my PMDD symptoms.
2Patient Review
3/26/2012 Sarafem did help take the edge off of my PMS symptoms, however I found it very difficult to sleep while taking it. Additionally, I was unable to orgasm which was a big issue for me. Overall, I would not recommend this medication.
Patient Q&A Section about sarafem
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is the generic for Sarafem?
"Fluoxetine is used to treat= Fluoxetine is effective for treating depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, a certain eating disorder (bulimia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)."
Answered by AI
Is Sarafem discontinued?
"If you are looking for Sarafem, you should know that the prices and coupons for the 1 dose pack (20mg) of Sarafem 28 tablets is no longer available because the manufacturer has discontinued this form and dosage."
Answered by AI
Is Sarafem same as Prozac?
"For patients with PMDD, Prozac is available under the brand name Sarafem, which is simply Prozac in pill form. For those who cannot take pills, Prozac is also available in liquid form. Most people will need to take the medication for 3-4 weeks to experience optimal results."
Answered by AI
Is Sarafem used for PMDD?
"The FDA has approved Sarafem for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Sarafem is the equivalent of Prozac, which is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bulimia."
Answered by AI