Course of Treatment:   ____________________________________________________________________________________

This medication is known as an antidepressant or mood elevator and is used to treat depression. Sometimes it is used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias. It may be prescribed in the treatment of some physical pain syndromes.

It is important to take this medication as directed, even when you begin to feel better. It is necessary to continue to take this medication in order to keep feeling well. When taken regularly, this medication usually requires four to six weeks before the full effects are noticed.

This medication does not produce euphoria (a high feeling) and is not addictive.

Uplifted mood and decreased feelings of sadness and anxiety or feelings of wanting to harm oneself.

Improved sleep and relief of insomnia or restlessness.

Increased energy, interest, and willingness to participate in activities.

Improved appetite.

Increased concentration and memory.

Decreased feelings of guilt.

If you elect to not take this medication, it is important for you to understand the potential consequences. The symptoms of depression and/or OCD will not get better; in fact, they could worsen.

When suffering from the symptoms of depression or OCD, you may have difficulty with your job, or relationships with family and friends, or day-to-day functioning.

Left untreated, depression and/or Panic Disorder could lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Psychotherapy in combination with medication.

Other classes of antidepressant medication.

Electroconvulsive therapy.

Take with food to lessen stomach upset.

Store away from heat and direct light. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not store in the bathroom medicine cabinet since heat and moisture may cause medicine to break down.

Do not keep outdated medicine.

Consult with your physician regarding what to do if you miss a dose of scheduled medication.

This medication is usually well tolerated. However, some or all of the following side effects may occur:

Dry Mouth--for temporary relief, use sugarless gum or candy, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use saliva substitute.

Drowsiness--this is usually a problem only during the first few days when you start taking the medication. If this is a problem, be very cautious if driving or performing tasks that require alertness or coordination.

Blurred Vision--this is temporary and usually goes away with continued use of the medication. If it becomes severe, notify your physician.

Constipation--a high fiber diet (bran) and exercise may help to alleviate this problem.

Dizziness--may occur when you get up too quickly or change positions rapidly. This can be avoided by rising or changing positions slowly.

Difficulty in passing urine--if this becomes a problem and continues, notify your physician.

Allergic reactions--such as rash or itching, are rare. If you notice a high fever, sore throat, or fainting spells, notify your physician.

Sexual--if you notice changes in sexual desire or changes in sexual ability, notify your physician.

Other--other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking antidepressants.

Do not stop taking this medication before checking with your doctor. Because people respond to medicines in very individual ways, you and your physician may have to go through a trial period to find the right drug and dosage that work best for you.

Before taking this medication, tell your physician what prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking (or have taken in the last two weeks). Do not begin taking prescription or non-prescription medication without consulting your physician.

Female patients: notify your doctor if you think you are pregnant, if you want to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding while taking this medication.

PHYSICIAN INFORMATION

If you have questions or concerns regarding this medication, your physician may be reached at one of the following locations:

University Hospital
Psychiatric Unit
4502 Medical Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 358-1260

University Health Center Downtown
Psychiatry Services - West Annex
1115 West Martin
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 358-3730

A pharmacist is also available to answer questions about your medication, and your prescription for this medication may be refilled at the following locations:

University Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy
4502 Medical Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229

Refill Line: (210) 358-4186
Pharmacist Line: (210) 358-2905

(Pharmacist available 24 hours every day.)
Outpatient Pharmacy Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. M-F
Weekend & Holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

University Health Center Downtown Pharmacy
527 N. Leona St.
San Antonio, TX 78207

Refill Line: (210) 358-3476 (Please call 24 hours in advance.)
Pharmacist Line: (210) 358-3466

Pharmacy Hours: Monday thru Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Weekends and Holidays: Closed Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

University Family Health Center, Southeast Pharmacy
3819 S. Gevers
San Antonio, TX 78223
(210) 358-5534-RPH

Refill Line: (210) 358-5535

Pharmacy Hours: 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Mon-Thurs
8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Fri.
8:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. Sat
Closed on Sundays

University Family Health Center, Southwest Pharmacy
2121 SW 36th St.
San Antonio, TX 78237

(210) 358-5137-RPH
Refill Line: (210) 358-5138

Pharmacy Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon. – Thurs.
8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Fri.
Closed Weekends & Holidays

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, HEALTH SYSTEM, I.D. NUMBER, AND Rx NUMBERS (S).