Sarafem Dosing: An Introduction
The dose of
Sarafem® (
fluoxetine hydrochloride) your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your Sarafem dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
There are two options for Sarafem dosing for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Sarafem can be taken every single day, or it can be taken just during the last two weeks of your menstrual cycle (two weeks before you expect your period). Either way, the recommended starting Sarafem dose for treating PMDD is Sarafem 20 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose up to Sarafem 60 mg once a day if necessary.
A lower Sarafem dosage may be recommended for women with liver problems, such as
cirrhosis or hepatitis.
General Sarafem Dosage Information
Some considerations for people taking Sarafem include:
- If Sarafem makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If Sarafem causes insomnia, try taking it in the morning.
- You can take Sarafem with or without food. If Sarafem bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Sarafem should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For Sarafem to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Sarafem will not work if you take it differently than how your healthcare provider prescribed it.
- If you are unsure about anything related to Sarafem or your Sarafem dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Sarafem without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
