What is the most important information I should know about Desyrel?

• While you are taking Desyrel you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are taking Desyrel. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with Desyrel. Do not stop taking Desyrel.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Desyrel may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Desyrel.
• Stop taking Desyrel and call your doctor immediately if you experience a prolonged (4 hours or longer), painful, or inappropriate erection. This could lead to a serious condition requiring surgery.
• Do not stop taking Desyrel without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. It may be several weeks before your symptoms begin to improve, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time.

What is Desyrel?

• Desyrel is an antidepressant medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.
• Desyrel is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
• Desyrel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Desyrel?

• While you are taking Desyrel you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are taking Desyrel. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with Desyrel. Do not stop taking Desyrel.
• Desyrel should not be taken during the initial recovery phase after a heart attack. Talk to your doctor before taking Desyrel if you have had a heart attack. You may also require special monitoring during treatment if you have any other types of heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or chest pain (angina).
• Stop taking Desyrel and call your doctor immediately if you experience a prolonged (4 hours or longer), painful, or inappropriate erection. This could lead to a serious condition requiring surgery.
• Desyrel is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Desyrel will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Desyrel passes into breast milk. Do not take Desyrel without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Desyrel?

• Take Desyrel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Desyrel with a meal or a light snack. Food increases the amount of medicine that is absorbed by the body and it may help to decrease dizziness.
• It is important to take Desyrel regularly to get the most benefit.
• Do not stop taking Desyrel without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. It may be several weeks before your symptoms begin to improve, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Desyrel to monitor progress and side effects.
• Store Desyrel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a Desyrel overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, an irregular heart beat, difficulty breathing, painful erection, and death.

What should I avoid while taking Desyrel?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Desyrel may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Desyrel.

What are the possible side effects of Desyrel?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Desyrel and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • a prolonged (4 hours or longer), painful, or inappropriate erection; or
  • an irregular heartbeat or chest pains.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Desyrel and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • dizziness or drowsiness;
  • headache;
  • insomnia or vivid dreams;
  • dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting;
  • diarrhea or constipation;
  • tremors (shaking); or
  • blurred vision.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Desyrel?

• Before taking Desyrel, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
  • digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
  • phenytoin (Dilantin);
  • a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
  • warfarin (Coumadin).
• You may not be able to take Desyrel, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Desyrel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.