Alivate 20mg Tablet
Alivate 20mg Tablet helps many people to recover from depression by improving their mood and relieving anxiety and tension. It is also used to treat bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), where it reduces binge-eating and purging (vomiting).
Alivate 20mg Tablet
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Alivate 20mg Tablet is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is widely prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions like panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Alivate 20mg Tablet helps many people to recover from depression by improving their mood and relieving anxiety and tension. It is also used to treat bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), where it reduces binge-eating and purging (vomiting).
The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Doing so may make your condition worse or you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, etc).
To get the most benefit, take this medicine regularly at the same time each day. It may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. Let your doctor know if you do not see any improvement even after 4 weeks. Some common side effects of Alivate 20mg Tablet include nausea, indigestion, dry mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite, increased sweating, sinusitis, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), yawning, and abnormal dreams. Sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction may also be seen. Let your doctor know straight away if you develop any sudden worsening of mood or any thoughts about harming yourself.
Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy (seizure disorder or fits), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or glaucoma. These may affect your treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Some other medicines may affect the way it works, especially other antidepressants and medicines called MAO inhibitors. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe.
03Uses
Treatment of Depression
Treatment of Panic disorder
Treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorder
04How To Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alivate 20mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
05How It Works
Alivate 20mg Tablet is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Alivate 20mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
07Benefits
In Treatment of Depression
Alivate 20mg Tablet works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This improves your mood, relieves anxiety, tension, and helps you sleep better. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for this medicine to work so you need to keep taking it even if you feel it is not working. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel better unless your doctor advises you to.
In Treatment of Panic disorder
Alivate 20mg Tablet can help relieve symptoms of many panic disorders including panic attacks. It can help you feel calmer and improve your ability to deal with problems. Do not stop taking it, even when you feel better, unless your doctor advises you to.
In Treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Alivate 20mg Tablet helps relieve symptoms of many anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants and is normally taken once a day. It helps you feel calm with a better ability to deal with problems. Keep taking the medicine until your doctor advises you to stop. Additionally, exercising and eating a healthy diet can also help improve your mood.show moreshow less
08Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Sinus infection
Sleepiness
Nervousness
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Dryness in mouth
Delayed ejaculation
Abnormal dreams
Yawning
Weakness
Tremor
Sweating
Sore throat
Nausea
Low sexual desire
Depression
Loss of appetite
Influenza like syndrome
Indigestion
Erectile dysfunction
09Safety Information
Alcohol:UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Alivate 20mg Tablet.
Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Alivate 20mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Alivate 20mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving:UNSAFE
Alivate 20mg Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Alivate 20mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Alivate 20mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver:CAUTION
Alivate 20mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Alivate 20mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
10Drug Tips
Take Alivate 20mg Tablet in the morning since it can keep you awake if taken late at night.
It may cause anxiety and agitation when you first start taking it.
It may cause weight loss and decreased appetite.
Don’t drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Alivate 20mg Tablet affects you.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
Inform your doctor if you experience difficulty having an orgasm or have decreased sex drive.
The addiction/dependence potential of Alivate 20mg Tablet is very less.
Do not stop taking medication suddenly without doctor consultation as that may lead to agitation, anxiety, and dysphoria.
References
Sources and references
Stahl SM, editor. Fluoxetine. In: Stahl’s Essential Pschopharmacology: Prescriber’s Guide. 5th ed. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press; 2014. pp. 247-52.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 563-70.
Fluoxetine hydrochloride. Dublin, Ireland: Endo Ventures Limited; 2017 . view
Drugs.com. Fluoxetine. view
Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr . 2004;80:S189-S198. view
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation . view
