Fluwel Tab

FLUWEL TAB by BESTOCHEM FORMULATIONS

• Name: Fluwel 0.25 mg/20 mg Tablet
• Composition: Each tablet contains Alprazolam 0.25 mg and Fluoxetine 20 mg.
• Uses: Fluwel Tablet is prescribed for the management of various psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and panic disorder. It is also used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and other mixed psychiatric conditions. This combination medicine works by calming the brain's abnormal nerve cell activity and improving mood through increased levels of certain chemical messengers.
• Dosage and Administration: Take Fluwel Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Do not stop this medicine suddenly, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms; the dosage should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.
• Side Effects:
  • Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, memory impairment, drowsiness, tiredness, low sexual desire, uncoordinated body movements, headache, dizziness, and insomnia. Other common side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, weight gain or loss, and blurred vision.
  • Serious: Report any worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, agitation, restlessness, aggressiveness, irritability, violence, or anger to your doctor immediately.
• Precautions:
  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Fluwel is generally avoided during pregnancy unless potential benefits outweigh risks. It is not recommended while breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk.
  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of drowsiness and dizziness.
  • Elderly & Children: Use with caution in older adults, and dosage adjustments may be necessary. Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to lack of safety data.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. Specific interactions can occur with azole antifungal agents, other sleeping pills, opioids, certain antidepressants, antibiotics, epilepsy medicines, heart/blood pressure medications, HIV medicines, birth control pills, gastric medicines, and asthma medicines. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, muscle weakness, breathing problems, glaucoma, a history of seizures, or a history of alcoholism/drug abuse.
  • Driving/Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • Habit-forming Potential: Fluwel Tablet has habit-forming potential; use strictly as prescribed.
• Storage: Store below 30°C.

What is FLUWEL TAB used for?

FLUWEL TAB is a prescription medicine primarily used for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and panic disorder. It may also be used to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and other mixed psychiatric conditions.

How does FLUWEL TAB work?

FLUWEL TAB is a combination medication containing Fluoxetine (20 mg) and Alprazolam (0.25 mg). Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by regulating the release and uptake of certain chemical messengers like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which affects thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that helps by decreasing abnormal and excessive activity of nerve cells in the brain, thereby managing anxiety and panic. This combination aims to improve mood, relieve anxiety and tension, and stabilize mental health.

What is the usual dosage for FLUWEL TAB?

The dosage and duration of treatment for FLUWEL TAB are determined by your doctor based on your specific condition and response to the medication. It is typically recommended to take one tablet daily, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in your body. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly and not to exceed the recommended dosage.

What are the possible side effects of FLUWEL TAB?

Common side effects of FLUWEL TAB can include headache, nausea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain or loss, decreased sexual desire, problems with erection, and uncoordinated body movements. More serious side effects, though rare, can include suicidal thoughts or significant changes in mood. If any side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience severe symptoms like fever, fast heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, or suicidal thoughts, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Is FLUWEL TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

FLUWEL TAB is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy as there is clear evidence of potential harm to the unborn child. It should only be used if the potential benefits are deemed to outweigh the risks, as determined by a physician. Similarly, it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding, as the medication may pass into breast milk and could have adverse effects on the nursing infant. It is important to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can FLUWEL TAB be taken with other medications?

You should inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential drug interactions. FLUWEL TAB can interact with several medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other antidepressants, certain psychiatric medications (e.g., pimozide, haloperidol), antibiotics (e.g., linezolid, erythromycin), antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), and some allergy medicines (e.g., cetirizine).

What precautions should be taken while taking FLUWEL TAB?

Several precautions should be observed while taking FLUWEL TAB. It is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption and grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as they can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. Caution is advised if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, heart disease, diabetes, or a history of seizures. Due to potential drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medication affects you. Do not stop taking FLUWEL TAB suddenly, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms; your doctor will guide you on gradually reducing the dosage. This medicine is generally not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

What happens if a dose of FLUWEL TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of FLUWEL TAB, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this could lead to increased side effects or toxicity.

How should FLUWEL TAB be stored?

FLUWEL TAB should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20-25°C. It should be protected from moisture and light. Always keep this medication out of the reach of children.