Lupisert is prescribed for major depression--a persistently low mood
that interferes with everyday living. Symptoms may include loss of
interest in your usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite,
constant fidgeting or lethargic movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness
or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts
of suicide.
Lupisert is also used to treat the following:
* Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition marked by a
depressed mood, anxiety or tension, emotional instability, and anger
or irritability in the two weeks preceding menstruation.
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder (unwanted thoughts that won't go away and an
irresistible urge to keep repeating certain actions, such as hand-washing or
counting).
* Panic disorder (unexpected attacks of overwhelming anxiety, accompanied by
fear of their return).
* Social anxiety disorder (extreme shyness in social situations that interferes
with an individual's work and social life).
* Post-traumatic stress disorder (re-experiencing a dangerous or life-threatening
event through intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and intense psychological distress).
Lupisert belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake
inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed
to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release
at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Lupisert
slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available
in the brain. Most important fact about Lupisert
Do not take Lupisert within 2 weeks of taking any drug classified as
an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include the antidepressants
Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. When serotonin boosters such as Lupisert
are combined with MAO inhibitors, serious and sometimes fatal reactions
can occur. In addition, you should not combine Lupisert with the drug
pimozide (Orap). How should you take Lupisert?
Take Lupisert exactly as prescribed: once a day, in either the morning
or the evening.
Lupisert is available in capsule and oral concentrate forms. To prepare
Lupisert oral concentrate, use the dropper provided. Measure out the
amount of concentrate prescribed by your doctor and mix it with 4 ounces
of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. (Do
not mix the concentrate with any other type of beverage.) Drink the
mixture immediately; do not prepare it in advance for later use. At
times, a slight haze may appear after mixing, but this is normal.
Improvement with Lupisert may not be seen for several days to a few
weeks. You should expect to keep taking it for at least several months.
Lupisert may make your mouth dry. For temporary relief suck a hard candy,
chew gum, or melt bits of ice in your mouth.
If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If several hours
have passed, skip the dose. Never try to "catch up" by doubling
the dose.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Lupisert side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Lupisert.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, constipation, decreased sex drive, diarrhea
or lo
