Discontinued drugs

If you do decide to discontinue drug treatment, talk to your doctor first. It will be important to taper your medication gradually, rather than stopping abruptly. The book Coming Off Antidepressants by Joseph Glenmullen of the Harvard Medical School is an excellent source of information on how to discontinue antidepressant drug treatment. 

Responders to drug therapy should continue treatment for at least 12 months. When discontinued, drug therapy should be tapered slowly over a period of 1 month or more to reduce the likelihood of relapse. 

The nonavailability of drug products or combinations, discontinued drugs, drug shortages, and orphan drugs... 

Brand name drug Clinical trial Deception Discontinued drug Drug interaction... 

A discontinued drug is one that has been removed from the market in the United States for reasons other than safety or effectiveness. 

Drugs that cause induction or inhibition of enzymes may affect the metabolism of concomitantly administered drugs, as well as of hormones and other endogenous substances. For this reason, such properties are considered undesirable, and sometimes they might constitute sufficient reason to discontinue drug development. At the very least, studies will be required to assess the magnitude of effect of likely interactions. Metabolic and toxicity studies in animals will... 

Hypotension If hypotension (systolic blood pressure up to 90 mm Hg) occurs, discontinue drug and carefully assess patient s hemodynamic status and extent of myocardial damage. 

Thereafter, gradually reduce the dose to 7.5 to 15 mg once/day. Discontinue drug as soon as patient s condition is stable. 

Discontinue periodically to assess condition. Improvement may be sustained when the drug is temporarily or permanently discontinued. Drug treatment should not be indefinite and usually may be discontinued after puberty. 

Dry mouth If dry mouth is so severe that swallowing or speaking is difficult, or if loss of appetite and weight occurs, reduce dosage or discontinue drug temporarily. 

Advise patients to report promptly any change in visual acuity. If evaluation confirms visual change and fails to reveal other causes, discontinue drug and reevaluate patient at frequent intervals. 

Cytopenia may occur at any time during treatment and may increase with continued dosing. Cell counts usually begin to recover within 3 to 7 days of discontinuing drug. Renal function impairment If renal function is impaired, dosage adjustments are required for valganciclovir. 

Toxic effects Toxic effects, potentially serious, may be related in frequency and severity to dose or frequency of administration, but have been seen at all doses. These effects can occur at any time during therapy follow patients closely. Most adverse reactions are reversible if detected early. When reactions occur, reduce dosage or discontinue drug and take appropriate corrective measures this could include use of leucovorin calcium. Use caution if therapy is reinstituted. 

Muscular weakness Examine patients on long-term therapy periodically, and test knee and ankle reflexes to detect evidence of muscular weakness. If weakness occurs, discontinue drug. 

Discontinue drug, notify ciinician if iocai irrifafion or fever deveiops... 

The risk of seizures increases in pafienfs taking more than 150 mg/dose of bupropion, in pafienfs with a history of bulimia or seizure disorders, and in patienfs discontinuing drugs that may lower the seizure threshold. 

CBC with platelets and reticulocytes before and frequently during therapy (discontinue drug if bone marrow suppression occurs) serum iron and iron-binding globulin saturation may also be useful... 

Discontinue drug, notify clinician if local irritation or fever develops... 

Do not discontinue drug abruptly or withdrawal symptoms may occur (anxiety, increased BP, headache, insomnia, increased pulse, tremors, nausea, sweating)... 

LFTs (AST, ALT) at baseline and at 12 wk of therapy if no change, no further monitoring necessary (discontinue drug if elevations persist >3 X upper limit of normal)... 

Sulfite sensitivity may occur in susceptible patients, manifested by cramping, headache, diarrhea, fever, rash, hives, itching, and wheezing. Discontinue drug immediately. 

Geriatric Considerations - Summary Fluid retention may lead to mild CHF in patients with CAD and unrecognized or compensated heart failure. Discontinue drug with any sign of decline in cardiac function. Avoid in older adults with NYHA Class 111 or IV cardiac status. Demonstrated effectiveness in patients 65 years of age and older. 

Discontinue drug if flushing, itching, rash, fever, stomach pain, difficult breathing, ringing in ears, visual disturbances occur... 

Prodromal signs of hypertensive crisis are increased headache, palpitations discontinue drug immediately... 

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