PRISTIQ® (30 tablets)

Common uses

This medication is typically used for depression. It may also have other uses. When used as a treatment for a mood disorder, this medication produces its full effect only after a few weeks.

How to use this medication

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects.

Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. This medication should be swallowed whole. It should not be split, crushed or chewed.

You may notice the presence of a whole tablet in your stools. This is only the outer shell; the medication inside has been absorbed. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.

Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to find out exactly how much alcohol you can drink.

Possible side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

• it may cause dryness of the mouth;
• it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting;
• it may cause headaches;
• it may cause dizziness — use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position;
• it may cause heavy perspiration;
• it may cause difficulty with erection.

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage information

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of young children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.

Additional information

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

Rarely, this product causes potentially severe reactions, mostly if taken at high doses or with some other drugs. If you experience agitation, confusion, diarrhea, fever, tremor and muscular rigidity or contractions you should contact your doctor.

A treatment with this medication requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.

General information

It is important to tell the health professionals you consult:

• if you have a history of any other medical condition, whether you smoke and for women, if you are or want to become pregnant or breastfeeding;
• if you have allergies to any medications or any other allergies (e.g. to food, latex, etc.);
• all medications you are taking, prescription and non-prescription, including vitamins and natural products and supplements.