Lofepramine for depression
Name: Lofepramine for depression
Getting the most from your treatment
- Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
- When you start taking lofepramine, you may feel that it is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two after starting it before the effect begins to build up, and several weeks before you feel the full benefit. It is important that you do not stop taking it thinking it is not helping.
- While you feel depressed, you may have distressing thoughts and think about harming yourself or ending your life. If this happens, it is very important that you tell your doctor about it straightaway.
- Your doctor will recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on lofepramine. This is because it increases the risk of side-effects, such as feeling sleepy.
- There are several types of antidepressants. Each type works in a slightly different way and can have different side-effects. If you find that lofepramine does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that does.
- A few people who take lofepramine find that their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Try to avoid strong sunlight until you know how your skin reacts, or use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor. Do not use sunbeds.
- If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with lofepramine. This is because a number of medicines can increase the risk of side-effects from lofepramine, including some strong painkillers, flu remedies and antihistamines which can be bought from pharmacies.
- If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood sugar (glucose) more frequently. This is because lofepramine may affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.
- If you are due to have an operation or any medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking lofepramine, as it can interfere with some anaesthetics.
- If you suspect that someone (especially if it is a child) might have taken lofepramine by accident, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital straightaway. This is very important because lofepramine can cause serious problems when it is taken accidentally or in overdose. Take the container with you to show what has been taken, even if the pack is now empty.
- Your doctor will ask you to carry on taking lofepramine even after you feel better. This is to help stop your depression from returning. It is normal for a course of treatment to last for around six months after your symptoms have eased.
- Continue to take lofepramine unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping treatment suddenly can sometimes cause problems and your doctor will want you to reduce your dose gradually over a number of weeks when this becomes necessary.