Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

Warner Chilcott, the makers of Sarafem (fluoxetine hydrochloride), a treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), have issued a warning about the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, also known as Tardive Dyskinesia, a condition in which a person develops involuntary movements of his muscles similar to Parkinson’s Disease.

Tardive Dyskinesia has been linked to types of antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SSNRs (serotonin-norepineprine reuptake inhibitors). It also was recently linked to gastrophageal reflux medication Reglan. Tardive Dyskinesia is often irreversible even after the drug has been discontinued.

PMDD, a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems linked closely to the menstrual cycle, affects about 5 percent of menstruating women. Both PMDD and PMS share common symptoms such as depression, anxiety, tension, irritability and moodiness, however PMDD is far more severe. It is often treated with antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, such as those classified as SSRIs and SSNRs.

Sarafem is believed to correct the imbalance of serotonin that may contribute to PMDD. Although Sarafem is not a treatment for depression, it contains fluoxetine hydrochloride, the same active ingredient in some antidepressants. Like other SSRIs and SSNRs, Sarafem also carries a warning of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Patients are advised to discuss with their doctor any side effects experienced while taking Sarafem. Negative side effects should be reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) online at www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related posts:

• Breast milk-increasing medication linked to neurological disorder
• Dopamine-blocking medications linked to tardive dyskinesia
• Tardive dyskinesia in Huntington disease patients on Reglan
• Family asks, ‘Is this Tardive Dyskinesia?’
• Woman with Tardive Dyskinesia sues makers of Reglan

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 at 11:36 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.