Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using Sarafem as follows: Cardiovascular side-effects                                                 Sarafem carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to Sarafem intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents. Sarafem also carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias, leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using Sarafem as follows: Musculoskeletal side-effects Sarafem intake carries the risk of lowering the threshold for seizures, thereby, resulting in seizure activity, especially in individuals with history of the same. Sarafem intake can also induce a life-threatening reaction called Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Individuals taking Sarafem can present with high fever, episodes of confusion, muscle rigidity, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Severe cases can present with [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using Sarafem as follows: General allergic reactions                                  Sarafem use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching. Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with Sarafem, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on how to take Sarafem as follows: Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of Sarafem needed to derive the desired beneficial effects and also prevent toxicity with the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses of Sarafem as follows: Panic disorders and dysphoria By allaying the fears and calming down anxiety, Sarafem can help with providing relief from premenstrual syndrome, panic disorders and dysphoric states. Obsessive-compulsive disorders Sarafem can also help with reducing the anxiety contributing to the obsessive-compulsive behaviors and thus can be used to manage the OCDs.