Has anyone been put on Sarafem?...How does it work?

Question

I went to the doctors on thursday and she put me on Sarafem...I have never heard of this medicine before...I looked it up and it is used an an depressant for premenstrual issues...i guess...I am worried about the side affects and my age...( I am 20)...I just need some info. about it before I start taking it.

Answer 1

Sarafem is Prozac under a different name. As Prozac approached the end of its patent period, the makers of Prozac, Eli Lilly, searched for ways to continue marketing it as an expensive patent medicine, in the face of cheaper generics that would be offered. So they rebranded it as "Sarafem" for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and menstrually-related psychological effects. They publicized PMDD and publicized their treatment for it. They repackaged it in a pink and purple pill, so that it would look feminine and appeal to women. But it's still Prozac, no different. Prozac has now been around for over 20 years, and it's safe to say that it's not all that dangerous or harmful, and has helped many many people. It does have a number of side effects, and some people are OK with them, and others not. I like the website www.crazymeds.us for opinions on different drugs. See: http://www.crazymeds.us/

The main side effects are drowsiness, sexual side effects, and anxiety in the beginning when you first start taking it. It can take several months to be effective.  You're wise to research it before taking it. Only you can decide if you want to take it or not--some have fantastic success with Prozac. Others, not. There's no way to tell which you'll be till  you try it, though.

I hope your insurance is paying for this. If no, you should get the cheaper generic, or Prozac, instead of the more expensive Sarafem.