Dosing & Uses
Depression
8-12 g/d PO divided QID/TID
Lower dosage effective in combination with other antidepressants
Administration
Take with low-protein, carbohydrate-rich meals or snacks
Safety and efficacy not established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Anorexia
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Headache
Nausea
Sexual disinhibition
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensivity
Cautions
Bladder cancer
Diabetes mellitus
Achlorhydria/malabsorption
Cataract formation
Some bipolar pts are acutely sensitive & would not tolerate dosage >1-2 g/d
Clinical worsening & suicide ideation may occur despite medication
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: avoid during breastfeeding
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Metabolism: Converted to nicotinic acid & serotonin as well as incorporated into proteins
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of Action
Incr serotonin synthesis
