What is Fetzima?
Fetzima (levomilnacipran) is a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. This condition causes persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, low motivation, and difficulty enjoying daily life. Fetzima helps improve mood and reduce these symptoms over time.
The FDA has not approved the use of Fetzima for fibromyalgia. It has also not been shown to be safe or effective for children or teenagers under the age of 18.
Doctors may sometimes use Fetzima for other conditions (also called off-label uses), but the main Fetzima uses remain focused on major depressive disorder.
Stopping this treatment too quickly leads to withdrawal from Fetzima. Dizziness, mood swings, or sleep problems may occur. Consult your doctor before discontinuing Fetzima.
How Does Fetzima Work?
Fetzima works by helping balance certain natural chemicals in the brain. It treats major depressive disorder, also known as MDD or depression.
Fetzima belongs to a class of medications called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These treatments increase the levels of two important brain chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin helps control mood, sleep, and appetite.
Norepinephrine supports focus, energy, and the ability to handle stress. When these chemicals are low, a person may feel more depressed.
The Fetzima drug blocks the brain from removing these chemicals too quickly. This helps the brain keep more of them active, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
If there is no improvement after 8 weeks, your doctor will review your treatment plan.
Fetzima Dosage and Administration
Fetzima dosing depends on your health condition, how well you respond, and if you have kidney problems. Your doctor will help you determine the starting dose and adjust it if needed. Follow your doctor’s advice to minimize the risk of side effects or withdrawal from Fetzima.
Dosage Form and Strengths of Fetzima
Fetzima extended-release capsules come in four strengths:
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
- 80 mg
- 120 mg
Each capsule has markings to help identify the dose.
How to Take Fetzima?
- Take Fetzima once a day at the same time each day
- Swallow the capsule whole with water
- Do not open, chew, or crush the capsule
- You can take Fetzima with or without food
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
- Never take two Fetzima doses at the same time
Recommended Dosage for Different Populations or Conditions
General Fetzima Dosage for Adults with Depression
- Start with 20 mg once daily for 2 days
- Increase to 40 mg once daily after that
- Based on your response, your doctor may raise the dose by 40 mg at intervals of 2 or more days.
- The highest recommended dose is 120 mg once daily.
Fetzima dosing begins at a low level to help your body adjust to the medication. After the first few days, your doctor may change the dose depending on your response. Most people take between 40 mg and 120 mg daily.
Fetzima Dosage for People with Kidney Problems
- Mild kidney issues (60 to 89 mL/min): No dose change needed.
- Moderate kidney issues (30 to 59 mL/min): Do not take more than 80 mg once daily.
- Severe kidney issues (15 to 29 mL/min): Do not take more than 40 mg once daily.
- End-stage kidney disease: Fetzima is not recommended for use in patients with end-stage kidney disease.
People with kidney problems may need lower Fetzima doses because the body clears the drug more slowly.
Fetzima Side Effects
Fetzima can help treat depression, but like many treatments, it may cause unwanted effects. Some people may experience mild side effects initially, while others may encounter more serious problems.
Common symptoms may include nausea, constipation, or changes in sexual health. In rare cases, Fetzima may cause severe reactions like high blood pressure, seizures, or serotonin syndrome.
Common Side Effects
These are the most frequently reported side effects of Fetzima:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Delayed ejaculation or problems with ejaculation in males
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Decreased sexual desire in both males and females
Severe Side Effects
Some Fetzima side effects can be serious and may need medical attention right away:
- Signs of serotonin syndrome, such as confusion, fast heartbeat, shaking, high fever, or hallucinations
- High blood pressure or changes in blood pressure
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Eye pain or changes in vision (possible glaucoma)
- Trouble passing urine or a very weak urine stream
- Manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder
- Seizures or convulsions
- Sudden mood changes, anxiety, or dizziness after stopping Fetzima (withdrawal from Fetzima)
- Low sodium in the blood, especially in older adults, can cause weakness, memory issues, or fainting.
- Sexual problems such as reduced desire, delayed orgasm, or difficulty with performance
Fetzima Warnings and Precautions
- Do not take Fetzima if you are allergic to levomilnacipran or any of its ingredients.
- Do not take Fetzima with MAOI drugs or within 7 days of stopping Fetzima.
- Avoid taking Fetzima if you are undergoing treatment with MAOI drugs such as linezolid or IV methylene blue.
- Fetzima may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in people 24 years old or younger.
- Watch for mood changes, sadness, or thoughts of self-harm when starting Fetzima or changing the dose.
- Let your family or caregivers know to watch for changes in behavior or mood.
- Fetzima can cause serotonin syndrome, which is a serious condition that needs emergency care.
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include confusion, fever, fast heartbeat, or muscle stiffness.
- Do not use Fetzima with other drugs that affect serotonin without checking with your doctor.
- Fetzima may cause an increase in blood pressure, so your doctor should monitor it before and during treatment.
- People with high blood pressure or heart disease should use Fetzima with caution.
- Fetzima may cause a fast or irregular heartbeat. Your doctor may monitor your heart rate.
- Fetzima may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take aspirin or blood thinners.
- Let your doctor know if you notice easy bruising or unusual bleeding while taking Fetzima.
- Fetzima may trigger a serious eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma in some people.
- Inform your doctor if you experience any changes in your vision, eye pain, or redness and swelling of the eyes.
- Fetzima may make it hard to urinate or cause urinary hesitancy.
- Individuals with urinary problems should consult their doctor before using Fetzima.
- Fetzima can trigger manic or hypomanic episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
- Tell your doctor if you or your family has a history of bipolar disorder or mania.
- Fetzima may cause seizures in people with a seizure disorder or a history of seizures.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had seizures before starting Fetzima.
- Suddenly stopping Fetzima may cause withdrawal symptoms like dizziness or mood swings.
- Your doctor may lower your dose slowly to avoid these symptoms.
- Fetzima can cause low sodium levels in your blood, which can be serious or life-threatening.
- Signs of low sodium may include confusion, weakness, or trouble concentrating.
- Older adults and people who take water pills may be at higher risk for low sodium.
- Fetzima may cause sexual problems such as low sex drive, delayed orgasm, or erection issues.
- Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in sexual function during treatment.
- Fetzima is not approved for use in children and may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in young people.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking Fetzima.
- Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding before starting Fetzima.
Boxed Warning and Precautions for Fetzima
Fetzima has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children, adolescents, and young adults, especially when treatment is first started or when the dose is changed.
Fetzima is not approved for use in children or teenagers under 18 years old.
Patients, families, and caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression, anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, irritability, unusual behavior changes, or thoughts of self-harm.
Contact a healthcare provider right away if these symptoms appear or worsen.
Fetzima Drug Interactions
Before starting Fetzima, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the drugs, vitamins, and supplements you take.
|
|
Fetzima Alternative Medications
Fetzima alternatives work in different ways and may be a better fit based on your symptoms, medical history, or how your body responds to treatment.
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
- Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
- Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)
- Trintellix (vortioxetine)
- Viibryd (vilazodone)
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
- Savella (milnacipran)
- Parnate (tranylcypromine)
- Nardil (phenelzine)
Cost & Ordering Information
Buy Fetzima Through Buy Canadian Insulin
Buy Canadian Insulin helps patients access prescription Fetzima through participating pharmacy partners.
Pricing may vary depending on product strength, quantity selected, supplier availability, and participating pharmacy partner pricing policies. Some patients may find pricing through participating pharmacy partners that differs from certain U.S. retail pharmacy prices.
Available services may include:
- Prescription processing through participating pharmacy partners
- Multiple quantity options based on prescription authorization
- Shipping options available across eligible U.S. delivery locations
- Tracking information when available through the carrier
- Online and phone ordering availability
- Customer support through phone, email, or live chat
A valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before Fetzima can be dispensed.
Prescription orders are reviewed by licensed pharmacists and applicable healthcare professionals before fulfillment, where required.
Pharmacist consultation may be available through participating pharmacy partners for questions regarding medication use, side effects, storage, prescription processing, and product availability.
Shipping timelines may vary depending on prescription review requirements, inventory availability, destination location, customs processing when applicable, and carrier services.
Shipping and Storage Information
Fetzima should be stored at controlled room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling and shipping procedures. Patients should inspect their order promptly upon delivery and follow the storage instructions included with the medication.
Do not store Fetzima in areas exposed to excessive heat, moisture, or direct sunlight. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
Patients with questions regarding product storage or product condition after delivery should contact their pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Prescription Discounts and Coupons
Eligible first-time customers may use coupon code FIRST10 during checkout for qualifying orders, subject to current promotional terms and conditions.
Ordering Information
Patients may submit prescriptions through available upload, email, fax, or customer support channels.
Available ordering features may include:
- Online ordering availability
- Phone ordering assistance
- Quantity options based on prescription details
- Shipping options with tracking when available
- Customer support assistance through phone, email, or live chat
Customer Support & Business Information
For questions regarding prescription processing, product availability, shipping timelines, or account support, contact Buy Canadian Insulin customer support:
Phone: 1-888-525-1815
Fax: 1-888-234-1275
Email: info@buycanadianinsulin.com
Customer Support Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7am – 10pm CST
Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 5pm CST
Business Address:
Buy Canadian Insulin
1026 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 1001
Selkirk, MB R1A 4M2
Canada
About Buy Canadian Insulin Services
Buy Canadian Insulin works with participating pharmacy partners to help patients access prescription medications and related healthcare products.
Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary depending on supplier inventory, participating pharmacy partner availability, and destination location.
Some prescription orders may be dispensed by licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other international fulfillment locations depending on product availability and applicable pharmacy regulations.
Orders are packaged and shipped according to pharmacy handling procedures and applicable storage requirements.
How to Order Fetzima Online?
- Search for Fetzima, select the desired strength and quantity, then click ‘Buy’.
- Go to checkout and enter your name, address, and payment info.
- Upload your prescription using the RX tool, or send it by email to info@buycanadianinsulin.com or fax to 1-888-234-1275.
Use code FIRST10 for 10% off your first order.
|
Have a prescription?
Order Fetzima online today and enjoy a host of benefits, including: |
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Buy Canadian Insulin provides educational information about medications and health conditions for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription medications require valid prescription review and processing through participating pharmacy partners. Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
