Pregnancy Risk Category B
How supplied
Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg
Action
Unknown. May inhibit neuronal firing and reduce serotonin turnover in cortical, amygdaloid, and septohippocampal tissue.
Indications & dosage
Anxiety disorders, short-term relief of anxiety--
Adults: initially, 5 mg P.O. t.i.d. Dosage increased at 3-day intervals in 5-mg increments. Usual maintenance dose is 20 to 30 mg daily in divided doses. Don't exceed 60 mg daily.
Adverse reactions
CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, insomnia, headache, light-headedness,
fatigue, numbness.
EENT: blurred vision.
GI: dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal distress.
Interactions
Drug-drug. CNS depressants: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
MAO inhibitors: may elevate blood pressure. Avoid concomitant use.
Drug-lifestyle. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug; also contraindicated within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy.
Nursing considerations
Patient teaching
*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine. †Canada ‡Australia §U.K. OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING