Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take medication exactly as directed at the same time each day. Take missed doses as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose. Do not double doses or discontinue abruptly; gradually decreased before discontinuation

• Advise patient, family and caregivers to look for suicidality, especially during early therapy or dose changes. Notify health care professional immediately if thoughts about suicide or dying, attempts to commit suicide, new or worse depression or anxiety, agitation or restlessness, panic attacks, insomnia, new or worse irritability, aggressiveness, acting on dangerous impulses, mania, or other changes in mood or behavior or if symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur

• May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the drug is known

• Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS-depressant drugs during therapy and not to take other Rx, OTC, or herbal products without consulting health care professional

• Instruct female patients to inform health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional if signs of allergy (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) occur

• Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to monitor progress. Encourage patient participation in psychotherapy

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