Brand Name: Prolixin, Permitil, Modecate
Generic Name: Pluphenazine Decanoate

Prolixin, Fluphenazine Decanoate, is an antipsychotic medication used to treat Schizophrenia. Uses, dosage, side effects.

Fluphenazine Full Prescribing Information

Contents:

Description
Pharmacology
Indications and Usage
Contraindications
Warnings
Precautions
Drug Interactions
Adverse Reactions
Overdose
Dosage
Supplied

Description

Prolixin (Fluphenazine Decanoate) is a phenothiazine, an antipsychotic medication, used to treat emotional disorders such as schizophrenia. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

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Pharmacology

This medicine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office or a clinic. The onset of action generally appears between 24 to 72 hours after injection, and the effects of the drug on psychotic symptoms become significant within 48 to 96 hours. Amelioration of symptoms then continues for 1 to 8 weeks with an average duration of 3 to 4 weeks. There is considerable variation in the individual response of patients to this depot fluphenazine and its use for maintenance therapy requires careful supervision.

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Indications and Usage

Fluphenazine Decanoate (Prolixin, Permitil, Modecate) is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia.

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Contraindications

 

Fluphenazine decanoate is not indicated for the management of severely agitated psychotic patients, psychoneurotic patients or geriatric patients with confusion and/or agitation.

Patients who have shown hypersensitivity to other phenothiazines, including fluphenazine, should not be given fluphenazine decanoate.

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Phenothiazines should not be used in patients receiving large doses of hypnotics, due to the possibility of potentiation.

It is not intended for use in children under 12 years of age.

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Warnings

Severe adverse reactions requiring immediate medical attention may occur and are difficult to predict. Therefore, the evaluation of tolerance and response, and establishment of adequate maintenance therapy, require careful stabilization of each patient under continuous, close medical observation and supervision.

Interference with Cognitive or Motor Performance: Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.

Do not become overheated in hot weather, during exercise, or other activities since heat stroke may occur while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

Pregnancy and Nursing

Safety during pregnancy has not been established. The drug should not be administered to women of childbearing potential, particularly during the first trimester, unless, in the opinion of the physician, the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

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Precautions

Seizures: Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients with a history of convulsive disorders since grand mal seizures have been known to occur.

Cardiac: Since hypotension and ECG changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia have been associated with the administration of phenothiazines, fluphenazine decanoate should be used with caution in patients with compensated cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders.

Before using this medicine, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. This includes guanethidine and medicines used to treat depression and bladder or bowel spasms. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including depression, seizure disorders, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

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Drug Interactions

Use with other drugs: The effects of atropine or other drugs with similar action may be potentiated in patients receiving phenothiazines because of added anticholinergic effects. Paralytic ileus, even resulting in death, may occur especially in the elderly. Fluphenazine decanoate should be used cautiously in patients exposed to extreme heat or phosphorus insecticides.

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Adverse Reactions

Side effects that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, nasal congestion, blurred vision, dry mouth, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience changes in vision; changes in breasts; changes in menstrual period; sore throat; inability to move eyes; muscle spasms of face, neck, or back; difficulty swallowing; mask-like face; tremors of hands; restlessness; tension in legs; shuffling walk or stiff arms or legs; puffing of cheeks; lip smacking or puckering; twitching or twisting movements; or weakness of arms or legs.

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Overdose

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors, twitching, deep sleep or loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Of the 354 cases of deliberate or accidental overdose involving fluvoxamine maleate reported, there were 19 deaths. Of the 19 deaths, 2 were in patients taking fluvoxamine maleate alone and the remaining 17 were in patients taking fluvoxamine maleate along with other drugs.

Treatment

If you or someone you know may have used more than the recommended dose of this medicine, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

No further injections should be given until the patient shows signs of relapse and the dosage then should be decreased. An unobstructed airway should be established with maintenance of respiration as required. Severe hypotension calls for the immediate use of an i.v. vasopressor drug, such as levarterenol bitartrate USP. Extrapyramidal symptoms may be treated with antiparkinsonian agents.

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Dosage

• Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
• Store this medicine at room temperature, in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you are taking 1 dose at bedtime and do not remember until the next morning, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
• When using the solution form: mix your dose in water, juice, soup, or other liquid before taking.

Additional Information:: Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

For oral dosage form (elixir, solution, or tablets):

Adults: At first, 2.5 to 10 milligrams (mg) a day, taken in smaller doses every six to eight hours during the day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg a day.

Children: 0.25 to 0.75 mg one to four times a day.

Elderly: 1 to 2.5 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.

Fluphenazine decanoate is given by injection.

The initial recommended dose is 2.5 mg to 12.5 mg. An initial dose of 12.5 mg is usually well tolerated. However, an initial test dose of 2.5 mg is recommended in patients: over the age of 50 or with disorders that predispose to undue reactions; whose individual or family history suggests a predisposition to extrapyramidal reactions; who have not previously received a long acting depot neuroleptic.

The onset of action generally appears between 24 to 72 hours after injection, and the effects of the drug on psychotic symptoms become significant within 48 to 96 hours.

Maintenance/Continuation Extended Treatment: Patients can usually be controlled with 25 mg or less, every 2 to 3 weeks. Although doses greater than 50 mg are usually not necessary, doses up to 100 mg have been used in some patients. If doses greater than 50 mg are necessary, the next dose and succeeding doses should be increased in increments of 12.5 mg. While the response to a single injection lasts usually 2 to 3 weeks, it may last for 4 weeks or more.

IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

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How Supplied

Each mL of injectable solution contains: Fluphenazine decanoate 25 mg in sesame oil with benzyl alcohol 1.5% as preservative. Vials of 5 mL.

Prolixin Tablets: Available in 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg.

Concentrate: Each mL of injectable solution contains: Fluphenazine decanoate 100 mg in sesame oil with benzyl alcohol 1.5% as preservative. Ampuls of 1 mL.

Fluphenazine Full Prescribing Information

Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Schizophrenia

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The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Last updated 3/03.

Copyright © 2007 Healthyplace Inc. All rights reserved.

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back to: Psychiatric Medications Pharmacology Homepage

Brand Name: Edronax
Generic Name: Roboxetine

Reboxetine (Endronax) is an antidepressant drug used in the treatment of clinical depression, panic disorder and ADHD. Uses, dosage, side-effects of Reboxetine.

Other Brand Names: Norebox, Prolift, Solvex, Davedax, Vestra

Edronax (Roboxetine) Full Prescribing Information

Contents:

Description
Indications
Precautions
Drug Interactions
Adverse Reactions
Overdose
Dosage
How Stored

Description

Reboxetine (Edronax) is used for the treatment of depression.

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Indications

Reboxetine is indicated for the treatment of depressive illness and for maintaining the clinical improvement in patients initially responding to treatment.

The remission of the acute phase of the depressive illness is associated with an improvement in the patient's quality of life in terms of social adaptation.

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Precautions

Since rare cases of seizures have been reported in clinical studies, reboxetine should be given under close supervision to subjects with a history of convulsive disorders and it should be discontinued if the patient develops seizures.

Combined usage of MAO inhibitors and reboxetine should be avoided.

As with all antidepressants, switches to mania - hypomania have occurred. Close supervision of bipolar patients is recommended.

The risk of a suicidal attempt is inherent in depression and may persist until significant remission occurs; close patient supervision during initial drug therapy is recommended.

 

Caution is recommended in patients with current evidence of urinary retention and glaucoma.

Orthostatic hypotension has been observed with greater frequency at doses higher than the maximum recommended. Close supervision is recommended when administering reboxetine with other drugs known to lower blood pressure.

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Pregnancy and Lactation
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Reboxetine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. While no information on the excretion of reboxetine in maternal milk in humans is available, reboxetine administration is not recommended in women who are breast feeding.

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Drug Interactions

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.

Combined usage of MAO inhibitors and reboxetine should be avoided.

Contraindicated for those with hypersensitivity to reboxetine or any other components of the product.

Close supervision is recommended when administering reboxetine with other drugs known to lower blood pressure.

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Adverse Reactions

Side Effects

Dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, increased sweating, tachycardia, vertigo, urinary hesitance/retention and impotence. Impotence was mainly observed in patients treated with doses greater than 8 mg/day.

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Overdose

In a few cases during clinical trials, doses higher than that recommended were administered to patients (12 to 20 mg/day) for a period ranging from a few days to a few weeks during clinical studies. Treatment-emergent adverse events included postural hypotension, anxiety and hypertension.

Two cases of self-overdosing with up to 52 mg of reboxetine have been reported. No serious adverse events were observed.

Treatment: In the case of overdose, close supervision including monitoring of cardiac function and vital signs is recommended.

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Dosage

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE:

The onset of the clinical effect is generally seen after 14 days from start of treatment.

Use in adults
The recommended therapeutic dose is 4 mg BID (8 mg/day) administered orally. After 3 weeks, the dose can be increased up to 10 mg/day in case of incomplete clinical response.

Use in the elderly (age greater than 65
The recommended therapeutic dose is 2 mg BID (4 mg/day) administered orally. This dose can be increased up to 6 mg/day in case of incomplete clinical response after 3 weeks from starting reboxetine.

Use in Children
There are no data available on the use of reboxetine in children.

Use in patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency
The starting dose in patients with renal or moderate to severe hepatic insufficiency should be 2 mg BID which can be increased based on patient tolerance.

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How Stored

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

Edronax ( Roboxetine ) Full Prescribing Information

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The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Last updated 3/03.

Copyright © 2007 Healthyplace Inc. All rights reserved.

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back to: Psychiatric Medications Pharmacology Homepage

You cannot force someone to seek help, change their habits, or adjust their attitudes. You will make important progress in honestly sharing your concerns, providing support, and knowing where to go for more information!

If you are reading this, chances are you are concerned about the eating habits, weight, or body image of someone you care about. We understand that this can be a very difficult and scary time for you. Let us assure you that you are doing a great thing by looking for more information! This list may not tell you everything you need to know about what to do in your specific situation, but it will give you some helpful ideas on what to do to help your friend.

• Learn as much as you can about eating disorders. Read books, articles, and brochures.

• Know the differences between facts and myths about weight, nutrition, and exercise. Knowing the facts will help you reason against any inaccurate ideas that your friend may be using as excuses to maintain their disordered eating patterns.

• Be honest. Talk openly and honestly about your concerns with the person who is struggling with eating or body image problems. Avoiding it or ignoring it won't help!

• Be caring, but be firm. Caring about your friend does not mean being manipulated by them. Your friend must be responsible for their actions and the consequences of those actions. Avoid making rules, promises, or expectations that you cannot or will not uphold. For example, "I promise not to tell anyone." Or, "If you do this one more time I'll never talk to you again."

• Compliment your friend's wonderful personality, successes, or accomplishments. Remind your friend that "true beauty" is not simply skin deep.

• Be a good role model in regard to sensible eating, exercise, and self-acceptance.

• Tell someone. It may seem difficult to know when, if at all, to tell someone else about your concerns. Addressing body image or eating problems in their beginning stages offers your friend the best chance for working through these issues and becoming healthy again. Don't wait until the situation is so severe that your friend's life is in danger. Your friend needs as much support and understanding as possible.

next: How to Talk With Someone About Their Eating Disorder
~ eating disorders library
~ all articles on eating disorders

Julie Fast is the author of The Gold Standard for Treating Depression and The Gold Standard for Treating Bipolar Disorder on HealthyPlace.com. Read more about Julie Fast.

JULIE A. FAST, author of Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, (Time/Warner 2006) Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner (New Harbinger Publications, February 2004), and Get it Done When You're Depressed (Penguin, 2008) is a critically acclaimed author, national speaker, and sought after expert in the field of bipolar disorder and depression. She is regarded as a mental health pioneer for her groundbreaking, comprehensive approach to treating bipolar disorder and depression using both mainstream and proven alternative therapies. Julie's work has helped thousands of people on medication as well as those who have difficulties tolerating medications find ways to successfully manage their condition and reclaim their lives.

Julie was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar disorder II in 1995 at the age of thirty-one, after she had lived with the disorder for over fourteen challenging and chaotic years. In 1998, three years after the diagnosis and twenty-three medications later, she found herself at a life-or-death crossroads: The medications were not enough - which led to the development of her now-famous bipolar treatment plan.

Julie's website is an internationally popular online resource for people with bipolar disorder. (http://www.juliefast.com

Julie currently lives in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. and though she still struggles daily with bipolar disorder symptoms, she is finally living a full and active life.

You can read more of Julie Fast's personal story here.

next: The Gold Standard for Treating Depression or The Gold Standard for Treating Bipolar Disorder

Welcome. My name is Laura, and I'm a domestic abuse survivor. I am not a therapist - but I have "been there, done that."

There are many abuses. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, and emotional abuse are only a few. The type of abuse I suffered for fourteen years was mental abuse and emotional abuse, rather than physical abuse. Now, I would never say that one is worse than the other. They are all awful in their own way. In one sense, I was fortunate that I did not have to endure bruises or broken bones. On the other hand, the kind of bruises I got can only be healed by forgiveness and time, rather than icepacks and stitches. I do not want it to seem like I am minimizing the pain of anyone who has suffered physical abuse. I'm not. I just want you to understand that it's a different kind of pain.

I want to share my story on these pages, in the hopes that even ONE PERSON benefits from what I experienced. As I tell my story here, no doubt with many tears along the way, I will also include whatever helped me out of it, such as books I read, other stories I heard from friends, etc. Hopefully, this site will help SOMEONE out of a similar situation.

My Story of Abuse

One important note: I realize that this site seems like it is "for women only," but please don't think that I am blind to the fact that there ARE men out there suffering from abuse by their wives. I know it's there. And I hope that those men have the courage to share their stories with us also. We welcome you.

I will tell you now, I divorced him in April of 97 and met a simply wonderful man - and yes, I have my children with me. So there is a "happy ending."

Break Free! Contents

• A List of Abusive Behaviors
• Time to Turn the Tables
• For Friends and Family of Domestic Violence Victims
• Have an Escape Plan to Get Away From Domestic Violence
• My Physical Abuse, Domestic Violence Stories
• My Story of Surviving Domestic Abuse

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next: A List of Abusive Behaviors
~ all articles on the abuse library

Read the Patient Information that comes with VALTREX before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Full Valtrex prescribing information

Why is Valtrex prescribed?

VALTREX is a prescription antiviral medicine. VALTREX lowers the ability of herpes viruses to multiply in your body.

VALTREX is used:

• to treat cold sores (also called fever blisters or herpes labialis) in adults
• to treat shingles (also called herpes zoster) in adults
• to treat or control genital herpes outbreaks in adults with normal immune systems
• to control genital herpes outbreaks in adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with CD4 cell count greater than 100 cells/mm3
• with safer sex practices to lower the chances of spreading genital herpes to others.

Even with safer sex practices, it is still possible to spread genital herpes.

VALTREX used daily with the following safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.

• Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptom or outbreak of genital herpes.
• Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.

VALTREX does not cure herpes infections (cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes).

VALTREX has not been studied in children who have not reached puberty.

What are cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes?

Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus that may be spread by kissing or other physical contact with the infected area of the skin. They are small, painful ulcers that you get in or around your mouth. It is not known if VALTREX can stop the spread of cold sores to others.

 

Shingles is caused by the same herpes virus that causes chickenpox. It causes small, painful blisters that happen on a certain area of your skin. Shingles occurs in people who have already had chickenpox. Shingles can be spread to people who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine by contact with the infected areas of the skin. It is not known if VALTREX can stop the spread of shingles to others.

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Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. It causes small, painful blisters on your genital area. You can spread genital herpes to others, even when you have no symptoms. If you are sexually active, you can still pass herpes to your partner, even if you are taking VALTREX. VALTREX, taken every day as prescribed and used with the following safer sex practices, can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.

• Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptom or outbreak of genital herpes.
• Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.

Ask your healthcare provider for more information about safer sex practices.

Who should not take Valtrex?

Do not take VALTREX if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to acyclovir. The active ingredient is valacyclovir. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in VALTREX.

Before taking VALTREX, tell your healthcare provider:
About all your medical conditions, including:

• if you have had a bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant, or if you have advanced HIV disease or "AIDS". Patients with these conditions may have a higher chance for getting a blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS). TTP/HUS can result in death.
• if you have kidney problems. Patients with kidney problems may have a higher chance for getting side effects or more kidney problems with VALTREX. Your healthcare provider may give you a lower dose of VALTREX.
• if you are 65 years of age or older. Elderly patients have a higher chance of certain side effects. Also, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may give you a lower dose of VALTREX.
• if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking prescription drugs (including VALTREX) during pregnancy.
• if you are breastfeeding. VALTREX may pass into your milk and it may harm your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking VALTREX.
• about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VALTREX may affect other medicines, and other medicines may affect VALTREX. This may happen if you have certain medical conditions such as kidney problems. It is a good idea to keep a complete list of all the medicines you take. Show this list to your healthcare provider and pharmacist any time you get a new medicine.

How should you take Valtrex?

Take VALTREX exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your dose of VALTREX and length of treatment will depend on the type of herpes infection that you have and any other medical problems that you have.

• Do not stop VALTREX or change your treatment without talking to your healthcare provider.
• VALTREX can be taken with or without food.
• If you are taking VALTREX to treat cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes, you should start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start. VALTREX may not help you if you start treatment too late.
• If you miss a dose of VALTREX, take it as soon as you remember and then take your next dose at its regular time. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not take more than the prescribed number of VALTREX Caplets each day. Call your healthcare provider right away if you take too much VALTREX.

What side effects may occur using VALTREX?

Kidney failure and nervous system problems are not common, but can be serious in some patients taking VALTREX. Nervous system problems include aggressive behavior, unsteady movement, shaky movements, confusion, speech problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), seizures, and coma. Kidney failure and nervous system problems have happened in patients who already have kidney disease and in elderly patients whose kidneys do not work well due to age. Always tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems before taking VALTREX. Call your doctor right away if you get a nervous system problem while you are taking VALTREX.

Common side effects of VALTREX include headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. Side effects in HIV-infected adults include headache, tiredness, and rash. These side effects are usually mild and usually do not cause patients to stop taking VALTREX.

Other less common side effects include painful periods in women, joint pain, depression, low blood cell counts, and changes in tests that measure how well the liver and kidneys work.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that concern you.

These are not all the side effects of VALTREX. For more information ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

How should I store VALTREX?

• Store VALTREX at room temperature, 59° to 77°F (15° to 25°C).
• Keep VALTREX in a tightly closed container.
• Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need.
• Keep VALTREX and all medicines out of the reach of children

General information about VALTREX

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use VALTREX for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give VALTREX to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about VALTREX. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about VALTREX that is written for health professionals. More information is available at www.VALTREX.com.

What are the ingredients in VALTREX?

Active Ingredient: valacyclovir hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, and titanium dioxide.

Distributed by
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Manufactured by:
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
or
DSM Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Greenville, NC 27834

©2006, GlaxoSmithKline. All rights reserved.

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Full Valtrex prescribing information

Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Sex Disorders

back to: Psychiatric Medication Patient Information Index

Find out why Suboxone, Subutex is prescribed, side effects of Suboxone, Suboxone warnings, effects of Suboxone during pregnancy, more - in plain English.

Generic name: Combination of buprenorphine and naloxone
Brand name: Suboxone

Pronounced: SUB-ox-own

Additional Suboxone Patient Information
Full Suboxone Prescribing Information

What is buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine, a derivative of opium, has been marketed in the United States for many years as a pain relief treatment. With the recent FDA approval of buprenorphine for use in the treatment of opioid dependency, buprenorphine is now available as a prescription medication under the brand names of Subutex7 and Suboxone7, both of which are taken sublingually (under the tongue).

How does buprenorphine work?

When taken by a person who is addicted to heroin or another opioid, buprenorphine reduces craving and helps the person remain drug-free. Like methadone, buprenorphine can be used to withdraw from heroin, or it can be used continuously to help keep a person addicted to heroin from using the drug.

What is the difference between Subutex and Suboxone?

The single active ingredient in Subutex is buprenorphine, which decreases the craving for heroin and other opioids. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which both reduces drug craving and induces withdrawal when injected.

How is buprenorphine different from methadone?

Compared with methadone, buprenorphine has a relatively lower risk of abuse, dependence, and side effects, and it has a longer duration of action. Because buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, its opioid effects, such as euphoria and respiratory depression, as well as its side effects reach a ceiling of maximum effect, unlike with methadone or heroin. For this reason, buprenorphine may be safer than methadone, as long as it is not combined with sedatives such as tranquilizers or alcohol.

Can a physician in a methadone clinic prescribe or dispense buprenorphine for opioid addiction treatment?

 

Physicians who have received special certification from Federal and State agencies can prescribe and dispense buprenorphine for opioid addiction treatment in any practice setting, including at a methadone clinic.

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How do I find a doctor who prescribes buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence?

Doctors who are qualified to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence are listed on the SAMHSA Buprenorphine Physician Locator website: http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov/bwns_locator/index.html. This listing contains the names, addresses and telephone numbers of qualified physicians.

How does a physician become qualified to use buprenorphine?

Physicians who want to prescribe buprenorphine must complete an 8-hour course or have sufficient experience and qualifications to be certified.

How will buprenorphine be distributed to patients?

Qualified physicians will give patients a prescription for buprenorphine. The patient can then take the prescription to a pharmacy to have it filled. By contrast, methadone can only be distributed at specialized addiction treatment clinics.

What are buprenorphine's side effects?

The side effects of buprenorphine are similar to those of other opioids and may include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Both buprenorphine and buprenorphine with naloxone can result in the opioid withdrawal syndrome if used by people on high doses of other opioids. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include: dysphoria, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and cramps, sweating, tearing, diarrhea, mild fever, running nose, insomnia, and irritability.

Can buprenorphine be taken while drinking alcohol?

Buprenorphine should not be taken in combination with alcohol. Taking buprenorphine with alcohol increases buprenorphine's respiratory-depressing effects and can be dangerous.

Can buprenorphine be abused?

Because of its opioid effects, buprenorphine can be abused, particularly by individuals who are not physically dependent on opioids. But because its euphoric effects are less than those of other opioids, so is its potential for abuse.

Is buprenorphine safe?

Because of buprenorphine's ceiling effect, an overdose is less likely than with methadone or other opioids. There also is no evidence of organ damage with chronic use of buprenorphine, although some patients experience increases in liver enzymes. Likewise, there is no evidence that buprenorphine causes any significant disruption of cognitive or psychomotor performance. Because information about the use of buprenorphine in pregnant, opioid-dependent women is limited, methadone remains the standard of care for this group.

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Additional Suboxone Patient Information
Full Suboxone Prescribing Information

Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Addictions

back to: Psychiatric Medication Patient Information Index

Depression is an illness that affects both men and women. But people working in mental health services see far fewer men with depression than women with depression. It seems likely that men suffer from depression just as often as women, but that they are less likely to ask for help. Depression is easily treatable and best treated as early as possible. Men need to know what it is and how to get effective help.

It's Different For Men

 The way that men think about themselves can be quite unhelpful. Compared with women, they tend to be far more concerned with being competitive, powerful and successful. Most men don't like to admit that they feel fragile or vulnerable, and so are less likely to talk about their feelings with their friends, loved ones or their doctors. This may be the reason that they often don't ask for help when they become depressed. Men tend to feel that they should rely only on themselves and that it is somehow weak to have to depend on someone else, even for a short time.

This traditional view of how men should be - always tough and self-reliant - is also held by some women. Some men find that owning up to their depression actually results in their partner rejecting them because of this. Even professionals sometimes share this view, and may not diagnose depression in men when they should.

Symptoms of Depression

• Feeling sad or unhappy
• High levels of anxiety
• Low energy
• Difficulties concentrating
• Feeling worthless or hopeless
• Losing interest in activities or people
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of sex drive
• Lapses in personal hygiene, such as not bathing or shaving as regularly
• Thoughts of suicide

The symptoms for some types of depression may also include extreme opposites of those listed above for example, unusually high or prolonged levels of energy, significant weight gain and so on.

Other people may notice that:

• You are performing less well at work
• You seem unusually quiet, unable to talk about things
• You're worrying about things more than usual
• You're more irritable than usual
• You're complaining more about vague physical problems

How Do Men Cope

Instead of talking about how they feel, men may try to make themselves feel better by using alcohol or drugs. This will usually make things worse in the long run. Their work will suffer and alcohol often leads to irresponsible, unpleasant or dangerous behavior. Men also tend to give their work a higher priority than their home life, which produces conflicts with their wives or partners. All of these things have been shown to make depression more likely.

Relationships

For married men, research has shown that trouble in a marriage is the most common single problem connected with depression. Men can't cope with disagreements as well as women. Arguments actually make men feel very physically uncomfortable. So, they try to avoid arguments or difficult discussions. This often leads to the situation where a man's partner will want to talk about a problem, but he will not and will do his best to avoid talking about it. The partner feels that they are being ignored and tries to talk about it more, which makes him feel he is being nagged. So, he withdraws even more, which makes his partner feel even more that they are being ignored . . . and so on. This vicious circle can quite easily destroy a relationship.

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Separation and Divorce

Men have traditionally seen themselves as being the leaders in their family lives. However, the process of separation and divorce is most often started by women. Of all men, those who are divorced are most likely to kill themselves, probably because depression is more common and more severe in this group. This may be because, as well as losing their main relationship, they often lose touch with their children, may have to move to live in a different place, and often find themselves hard-up for money. These are stressful events in themselves, quite apart from the stress of the break-up, and are likely to bring on depression.

Sex

Depressed men feel less good about their bodies and less sexy than when they're not depressed. Many just go off sex completely. Several recent studies suggest that, in spite of this, men who are depressed have intercourse just as often, but they don't feel as satisfied as usual. A few depressed men actually report increased sexual drive and intercourse, possibly as a way of trying to make themselves feel better. Another problem may be that some antidepressant drugs will also reduce sex-drive in a small number of men who take them.

HOWEVER, the good news is that, as the depression improves, so will your sexual desire, performance and satisfaction.

It's worth remembering that it can happen the other way round. Impotence (difficulty in getting or keeping an erection) can bring about depression. Again, this is a problem for which it is usually possible to find effective help.

Pregnancy and Children

We have known for many years that some mothers feel severely depressed after having a child. It is only recently that we have realized that more than 1 in 10 fathers also suffer psychological problems during this time. This shouldn't really be surprising. We know that major events in people's lives, even good ones like moving house, can bring about a period of depression. And this particular event changes your life more than any other. Suddenly, you have to spend much more of your time looking after your partner, and the children.

On an intimate level, new mothers tend to be less interested in sex for a number of months. Simple tiredness is the main problem, although you may take it personally and feel that you are being rejected. You may have to adjust, perhaps for the first time, to taking second place in your partner's affections. You will also probably find that you have to spend less time at work. Paternity leave is still quite unusual in the most parts of the world.

New fathers are more likely to become depressed if their partner is depressed, if they aren't getting along with their partner, or if they are unemployed. This isn't important just from the father's point of view. It will affect the mother and may have an important impact on how the baby grows and develops in the first few months.

Unemployment and Retirement

Leaving work, for any reason, can be stressful. Recent work has shown that up to 1 in 7 men who become unemployed will develop a depressive illness in the next 6 months. This is much more than would be expected in employed men. In fact, after relationship difficulties, unemployment is the most likely thing to push a man into a bad depression. This isn't surprising, as work is often the main thing that gives a man his sense of worth and self-esteem. You may lose symbols of your success, such as the company car. You may have to adjust to looking after the home and children, while your wife or partner becomes the bread-winner. From a position of being in control, you may face a future over which you have little control, especially if it takes a long time to find another job.

It is more likely to happen if you are shy, if you don't have a close relationship or if you don't manage to find another job. Of course, if you get depressed, you may well find it harder to get another job, which may make your depression worse.

Retiring from paid employment can be difficult for many men, especially if their partner continues to work. It may take some time to get used to losing the structure of your day and contact with workmates.

Gay Men and Depression

On the whole, gay men do not suffer from depression any more than straight men. However, it seems that gay teenagers and young adults are more likely to become depressed, possibly due to the stresses associated with coming out.

Suicide

Men are around 3 times more likely to kill themselves than women. Suicide is most common amongst men who are separated, widowed or divorced and is more likely if someone is a heavy drinker. Over the last few years, men have become more likely to kill themselves, particularly those aged between 16 and 24 years and those between 39 and 54 years. We don't yet know why this should be so, but it is very worrying.

We do know that 2 out of 3 people who kill themselves have seen their family doctor in the previous 4 weeks and nearly 1 in every 2 will have done so in the week before they kill themselves. We also know that about 2 out of 3 people who kill themselves will have talked about it to friends or family.

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Asking if someone is feeling suicidal will not put the idea into his head or make it more likely that he will kill himself. So, although some men may not be very good at talking about how they are feeling, it is important to ask if you have any suspicion - and to take such ideas seriously. For a man who feels suicidal, there is nothing more demoralizing than to feel that others do not take him seriously. He will often have taken some time to pluck up the courage to tell anybody about it. If you do find yourself feeling so bad that you have thought about suicide, it can be a great relief to tell someone.

Violence

Some studies have shown that men who commit violent crimes are more likely to get depressed than men who don't. However, we don't know if the depression makes their violence more likely, or if it's just the way they lead their lives.

Helping Men

Many men find it difficult to ask for help when they are depressed - it can feel unmanly and weak. It may be easier for men to ask for help if those who give that help take into account men's special needs.

Men who are depressed are more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of their depression rather than the emotional and psychological ones. This may be one reason why doctors sometimes don't diagnose it. If you are feeling wretched, don't hold back - tell your doctor.

It can help to be reminded that depression is a result of chemical changes in the brain. It is nothing to do with being weak or unmanly, and it can easily be helped. Antidepressant tablets are often an important part of getting better - and it's important to remember that this sort of medication is not addictive.

If a depressed man is married, or in a steady relationship, his partner should be involved so that she can understand what is happening. This will make it less likely for the depression to cause permanent problems in their relationship.

Some men don't feel comfortable talking about themselves and so may be reluctant to consider psychotherapy. However, it is a very powerful way of relieving depression and works well for many men.

Helping Yourself

Don't bottle things up - If you've had a major upset in your life, try to tell someone how you feel about it.

Keep Active - Get out of doors and get some exercise, even if it's only a walk. This will help to keep you physically fit and you will sleep better. It can also help you not to dwell unhelpfully on painful thoughts and feelings.

Eat properly - you may not feel very hungry, but you should eat a balanced diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables. It's easy to lose weight and run low on vitamins when you are depressed.

Avoid alcohol and drugs - Alcohol may make you feel better for a couple of hours, but it will make you more depressed in the long run. The same goes for street drugs, particularly amphetamines and ecstasy.

Don't get upset if you can't sleep - Do something restful that you enjoy, like listening to the radio or watching television.

Use relaxation techniques - If you feel tense all the time there are many ways of helping yourself to relax. These include exercises, audio-tapes, yoga, massage, aromatherapy etc.

Do something you enjoy - Set some time aside regularly each week to do something you really enjoy - exercise, reading, a hobby.

Check out your lifestyle - A lot of people who have depression are perfectionists and tend to drive themselves too hard. You may need to set yourself more realistic targets and reduce your workload.

Take a break - This may be easier said than done, but it can be really helpful to get away and out of your normal routine for a few days. Even a few hours can be helpful.

Read about depression - There are now many books about depression. They can help you to cope, but can also help friends and relatives to understand what you are going through.

Remember, in the long run, this might be helpful - It's unpleasant to have it, but depression can be a useful experience, and some people emerge stronger and coping better than before. You may see situations and relationships more clearly and may now have the strength and wisdom to make important decisions and changes that you were avoiding before.

Getting More Help

The best place to start is your general practitioner / family doctor. He or she will be able to assess you and to discuss the options for treatment with you. It is true that many men are concerned that the information held by their family doctors may need to be given in medical reports, and so may damage their chances in work. In spite of this, your family doctor is the best person to approach. Depression may be due to physical illness, so it is important that you have a proper physical check-up. If you are already receiving treatment for some physical disorder, your doctor will need to know because of the possible interactions between drugs. Any worries about confidentiality should be discussed with your doctor.

If you really feel that you can't talk about it with anyone you know, look in the phone book for a 24 hour telephone service (crisis line) which can give you the opportunity to discuss things anonymously.

Depression can be as much of an illness as pneumonia or breaking your leg. We really shouldn't feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. The most important thing to remember is to ask for the help you need, when you need it. If you need more information, or to talk to somebody confidentially, the following lists of publications and other organizations may be helpful.

Remember - depression is easily treatable and you are entitled to the help you need.

next: Treatments For Men With Depression
~ depression library articles
~ all articles on depression

Quest for Freedom!

~ An insight into OCD ~ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Dear Diary,

I think from now on, I shall be updating my OCD Diary every two months rather than every month. I'm not the happiest of people at the moment. In fact, quite the opposite and I can't help feeling that you don't really want to read about my sadness each month.

My OCD is doing great really. I can do whatever I want, go where I want and apart from the odd need to wash my hands an extra time, I'm doing really well with it :0) I drive regularly now and am getting more and more confident at it. The more I do, the further I go. There are lots of baby rabbits along the sides of the road here at the moment which is why I've used the rabbit graphic on this page.

I have been concentrating on my fitness levels recently and improving them by walking a lot - weather permitting! and going on an exercise bike everyday. I got so dangerously unfit during the housebound years and could hardly walk anywhere without it hurting when I first arrived here. Now though, I regularly go for long walks and enjoy keeping fit.

My sadness is caused by my relationship with Phil, of course. Since my last entry, nothing has moved on anywhere and I feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall sometimes. He says he has to make a decision for himself for what he wants in his life, which is fair enough. But is he going to just plod on like this until we're old and grey? Knowing him, yes. He never has been the most decisive person.

I wish I could stop loving and missing him so much. It would make things so much easier for me, but I've tried and it doesn't happen. I get angry and upset with him, but I know our being apart is wrong so I can't get past that! If only he'd waited for me to be able to have fun with him instead of him behaving like a single man and having fun without me, neither of us would be in this mess now.

Oh well, I will add to this if there's any updates to add, but sign off until next month now. Take care. Hugs.

Sani. xx

next: Young and Obsessed
~ ocd library articles
~ all ocd related disorders articles

The following are some useful online psychological screening tests. You'll find online psychological tests for:

• Abuse Tests
• Addictions Tests
• ADD/ADHD Tests
• Anxiety Tests
• Bipolar Disorders Tests
• Career Tests
• Depression Tests
• Dissociative Disorder Tests
• Eating Disorders and Weight Tests
• Intelligence Tests
• Miscellaneous Tests
• Personality Tests
• Personality Disorders Tests
• Relationships Tests
• Sexual Health Tests
• Stress Tests

These online psychological tests are for your entertainment and possibly educational use only and do not replace in any way a formal psychiatric evaluation. Remember for a diagnosis, you need to contact a licensed mental health professional.

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