Custom Search

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Cyproheptadine:

Please inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax®), diazepam (Valium®), chlordiazepoxide (Librium®), temazepam (Restoril®), or triazolam (Halcion®); medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil®), doxepin (Sinequan®), nortriptyline (Pamelor®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), or paroxetine (Paxil®); or any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cyproheptadine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. So too, do not take cyproheptadine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil®), or tranylcypromine (Parnate®) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Furthermore, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, a stomach ulcer, an enlarged prostate, bladder problems, or difficulty urinating, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), hypertension or any type of heart problems, or asthma. You may not be able to take cyproheptadine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Cyproheptadine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take cyproheptadine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Additionally, cyproheptadine passes into breast milk. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, and serious side effects could occur in a nursing baby. Cyproheptadine is not recommended if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not take cyproheptadine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from cyproheptadine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Use cautiously when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Cyproheptadine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

The consumption of alcohol may also increase these symptoms.

 

FDA Information

Why is this medication prescribed?

Other uses for this medicine

Dosage and using this medicine

What should I do if I forget a dose?

What side effects can this medication cause?

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

In case of an emergency/overdose

Use of this site is subject to the following terms of use