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[L408]Lithium And Side Effects

by Alison White, Ali

The treatment regimens described below are based on those used in controlled clinical trials of Anafranil in 520 adults, and 91 children and adolescents with OCD. During initial titration, Anafranil should be given in divided doses with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. If you take 1 dose at bedtime, consult your doctor. Do not take the missed dose in the morning. If you take 2 or more doses a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

Uses of Anafranil

This drug is used to reduce the anxiety and unpleasant thoughts that cause obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as repeating an ordinary task many times, and help such a patient lead a more normal lifestyle. It is also used to treat depression.

Anafranil is also used to treat:

1. arm burning
2. endogenous depression
3. hair pulling syndromes
4. nail biting
5. panic attacks
6. phobias
7. pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
8. pain due to narcolepsy
9. arthritis, cancer, diabetic disease, herpes lesions, migraines, tension headaches, or tic douloureux
10. repetitive symptoms in autistic persons

Side Effects of Anafranil

This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness. This medication may initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Headache, fatigue, and nausea can be a problem. Men are likely to experience problems with sexual function. Unwanted weight gain is a potential problem for many people who take Anafranil, although a small number actually lose weight.
Warnings and precautions before taking Anafranil:

Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.

Drug Interaction :-

Inform your doctor about what drugs you take especially of: drugs used to treat an over-active thyroid, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), other tranquilizers, medicines that make you excited, high blood pressure drugs, narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), other drugs you use (both prescription and non- prescription), St John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose Symptoms

Agitation, coma, confusion, convulsions, delirium, fever, hallucinations, shallow breathing, shock, seizures, or tremors.

By: ashu

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time. For the treatment of Mild to Moderate Pain, Menstrual Cramps, the usual starting dose is 550 milligrams every 12 hours.

For the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis, the usual starting dose is 275 milligrams or 550 milligrams 2 times a day.

Uses of Anaprox

Naproxen is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness that may be caused by many conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injury, abdominal cramps associated with menstruation. This medication is also used to treat mild to moderate pain such as headaches, menstrual pain, toothaches, and sometimes used for fevers.

Side Effects of Anaprox

Before taken Anaprox medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease. It can cause liver inflammation in some people. Side effects may cause abdominal pain, constipation, drowsiness, headache, rash-like symptoms.

Warnings and precautions before taking Anaprox:

* Anaprox is not usually given to children under 12 years old. Ask your doctor as your specific case may be different. Children taking this drug may require special instructions. Be sure to ask about these differences if you are getting this medication for your child.
* If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, then drug can increase water retention. It also may cause vision problems. So you should be used this medicine with extra caution. After taken this medicine, then you may feel dizzy, or drowsiness. So you should not participate in any activities that require alertness such as driving and operate machinery.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Anaprox with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Anaprox with the following:

* ACE inhibitors such as the blood pressure medication Capoten
* Beta blockers, including blood pressure drugs such as Inderal
* Certain water pills such as Lasix
* Furosemide
* Lithium
* Methotrexate
* Naproxen in other forms, such as Naprosyn
* Oral diabetes drugs such as Micronase
* Probenecid
* Warfarin

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include:

* dizziness
* extreme tiredness
* confusion
* drowsiness
* stomach pain
* heartburn
* upset stomach
* vomiting
* slow or difficult breathing
* decreased urination

By: ashu

Article Source : Pg. 17

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