This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully each time you receive this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Take this medicine at bedtime unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees F), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Avoid temperatures above 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
WARNING: ANTIDEPRESSANTS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using this medicine outweigh the risks. Family and caregivers must closely watch patients who take this medicine. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking or have taken linezolid, St. John's wort, or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the past 14 days. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking alosetron, astemizole, cisapride, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, nefazodone, pimozide, ramelteon, sibutramine, terfenadine, thioridazine, tizanidine, or any other medicine that contains fluvoxamine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aripiprazole, aspirin, benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), carbamazepine, certain medicines for migraine headache (eg, sumatriptan), clozapine, cyproheptadine, diltiazem, diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), lithium, methadone, metoclopramide, mexiletine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (eg, ibuprofen), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), phenytoin, quetiapine, quinidine, rasagiline, risperidone, selegiline, other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake blockers (eg, venlafaxine), tacrine, trazodone, theophylline, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), tryptophan, or methylene blue. TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you are taking medicine for depression or any other mental or mood problem. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of seizures, stroke, high blood pressure, heart problems, liver or kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, diabetes, blood or bone marrow problems, metabolism problems, dehydration, low blood sodium levels, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR if you have a personal or family history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, alcohol or other substance abuse, or if you drink alcohol or smoke. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include constipation, decreased sexual ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, stomach upset, stuffy nose, taste changes, trouble sleeping, vomiting, weakness, or yawning. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; painful or unusually heavy menstrual periods; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; stiff muscles; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual swelling; unusual weakness; or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain; coma; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; tremor; and trouble breathing.
IF YOUR DOCTOR TELLS YOU TO STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking this medicine. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.