Sarafem: profile and news

Warner Chilcott Reports Operating Results for the Quarter ended ... May 15, 2006
Sales of our PMDD product, SARAFEM(R), declined $1.6 million (-13.4%) due to decreased prescription demand, offset in part by price increases. ... - PR Newswire (press release),

Other information

Indication
For the treatment of depression; Obsessive compulsive disorder; Bulimia nervosa

Pharmacology
Fluoxetine, an antidepressant agent belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is used to treat depression, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress. According to the amines hypothesis, a functional decrease in the activity of amines, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, would result in depression; a functional increase of the activity of these amines would result in mood elevation. Fluoxetine's effects are thought to be associated with the inhibition of 5HT receptor, which leads to an increase of serotonin level.

Mechanism Of Action
Metabolized to norfluoxetine, fluoxetine is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), it blocks the reuptake of serotonin at the serotonin reuptake pump of the neuronal membrane, enhancing the actions of serotonin on 5HT_1A autoreceptors. SSRIs bind with significantly less affinity to histamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine receptors than tricyclic antidepressant drugs.

Drug Category
Antidepressants, Second-Generation; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs); ATC:N06AB03

Brand Names/Synonyms
Animex-On; Deprex; Eufor; Fluctin; Fluoxeren; Fluoxetina [Inn-Spanish]; Fluoxetina [Spanish]; Fluoxetine; Fluoxetine Hcl; Fluoxetine Hydrochloride; Fluoxetine Hydrochloride: Adofen; Fluoxetinum [Inn-Latin]; Fluval; Fontex; Foxetin; HSDB 6633; Portal; Prozac; Prozac Weekly; Pulvules; Reneuron; Sarafem

Dosage Forms
CAPSULE; LIQUID; SOLUTION

Absorption
72%

Interactions
Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking fluoxetine. Talk to your doctor if you are taking certain antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin. This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. Caution should be exercised when taking this medicine certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin. This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. If you think you are taking an MAO inhibitor talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take this medicine with St. John's Wort because of the additive effects of sertonin. This medication should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information on MAO inhibitors. Wait 5 weeks after stopping escitalopram before starting a non-selective MAO inhibitor. Wait 2 weeks after stopping an MAO inhibitor before starting escitalopram. If you are taking medications for migraines such as Imitrex, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine. If you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to the additive effects of serotonin. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: blood thinners (Coumadin) other antidepressants metoprolol antihistamines carbamazepine (Tegretol) cimetidine (Tagamet) estrogens fluoxetine (Prozac) intraconazole (Sporanox) ketoconazole (Nizoral) levodopa lithium muscle relaxants birth control pills sleeping pills thyroid medications

Chemical IUPAC Name
N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-propan-1-amine

Chemical Formula
C17H18F3NO

Half Life
1 to 3 days

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00530

CAS Registry Number
54910-89-3