Sarafem

The description of Sarafem.

Product name - Sarafem Company Name - Sarafem is manufactured by Warner Chilicott Consumer Demand - Serafem is used for the treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, also known as PMDD. It is amember of the drug group called seratonin reuptake inhibitors. Seratonin activates the receptors on the nerves and when Sarafem is used, it keeps more of the seratonin in the brain cells so that it can activate the nerves. When the symptoms of PMDD interfere with school, work and relationships, Serafem is prescribed to alleviate mood changes, irritability, anger, listlessness, appetite and sleep changes, headaches, bloating and weight gain. Versions of the Product - Sarafem is also available as Fluoxetine by Warner Chilicott and a generic version called Selfemra is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. Miscellaneous information - Serefem is an antidepressant, but it is not recommended for use in children under the age of 18.

It can cause a wide range of side effects that should be reported to your doctor. These side effects include rapid heart rate, anxiety, hostility, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations and restlessness. Some other side effects that have been noted, but are rare and considered to be reactions to the active ingredient fluoxetine. These include acne, hair loss, menstrual problems, leg cramps, arthritis, high cholesterol, gout, congestive heart failure, stroke, tinnitus, hypothyroidism, and atrial fibrillation. About 1 per cent of the patients studied experienced one of these problems.

Unfortunately, there really isn't any way for a health care provider to test ahead of time to see if you will have any of these side effects so it is important to report any changes that may occur to your physician immediately. Sarafem is also known to effect the libido, the sex drive, in women taking it. It has been observed in up to 9 percent of the women who were taking Sarafem. The effect to the libido is slighlty less if the Sarafem is only taken for the two weeks prior to the menstrual cycle.