What You Need to Know About Sarafem
How Effective Is the Medication?In clinical studies, Sarafem was shown to be effective at treating PMDD. Clinical studies have shown that up to 38 percent of women taking it showed moderate improvement in their symptoms of PMDD, compared to just 11 percent of women not taking it. Also, studies have shown that Sarafem is effective when taken every day or when taken just during the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle.
When and How to Take SarafemSome general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Sarafem comes in the form of tablets (or capsules, for the generic form). It is taken by mouth, usually once a day.
- There are two ways to take Sarafem. It can be taken every single day, or just during the two weeks before your period. Your healthcare provider will explain which way you should take it.
- If the medication makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If Sarafem causes insomnia, try taking it in the morning.
- You can take it with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing InformationThe dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Sarafem Dosage for more information.)