Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much of this medicine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or cause an overdose.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Swallow the extended-release tablet or tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
If you are using the orally disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not remove the tablets from the bottle until you are ready to take it. Place the tablet immediately on the top of your tongue. It should melt quickly and be swallowed with saliva.
If you are using the oral liquid, measure the dose with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For anxiety:
- For oral dosage forms (solution, tablets, or orally disintegrating tablets):
- Adults—At first, 0.25 to 0.5 milligram (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 0.25 mg 2 or 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage forms (solution, tablets, or orally disintegrating tablets):
- For panic disorder:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- Adults—At first, 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 0.5 mg taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage forms (solution, tablets, or orally disintegrating tablets):
- Adults—At first, 0.5 milligram (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 0.25 mg 2 or 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
It is very important to protect the orally disintegrating tablets from moisture. Remove and throw away any cotton packaging from the medicine bottle when you first use the medicine.
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.
To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
Portions of this document last updated: Dec. 01, 2023
.
As an experienced pharmaceutical professional with in-depth knowledge of drug usage and safety, I can confidently guide you through the critical aspects mentioned in the provided article on drug use, particularly focusing on the proper utilization and dosage of the medication. My expertise in pharmacology and drug administration allows me to shed light on the importance of adhering to medical guidelines and ensuring the safe consumption of medications.
Firstly, it's essential to underscore the importance of following the doctor's instructions diligently. The article emphasizes taking the medicine only as directed by your doctor. This is a fundamental principle in pharmacotherapy, as deviations from prescribed dosages and frequencies can lead to adverse effects, reduced efficacy, or, in some cases, the development of dependence.
The article also highlights the potential habit-forming nature of the medication if used excessively over an extended period. This is a crucial piece of information, as it draws attention to the risk of mental or physical dependence and the possibility of an overdose. As an expert, I would stress the significance of open communication with healthcare providers to monitor and manage any emerging concerns related to the use of the medication.
Furthermore, the instructions for specific forms of the medication, such as extended-release tablets or orally disintegrating tablets, provide practical guidance. For instance, the importance of not breaking, crushing, or chewing the extended-release tablet is emphasized, ensuring its proper absorption and effectiveness. Similarly, when using orally disintegrating tablets, it's crucial to handle them with dry hands and avoid removing them from the bottle until ready for consumption to prevent moisture-induced damage.
The article mentions the importance of measuring oral liquid doses accurately using marked measuring spoons, oral syringes, or medicine cups. This underscores the precision required in medication administration, preventing dosage errors and promoting patient safety.
Dosing recommendations for different medical conditions, such as anxiety and panic disorder, are outlined based on factors like age and the specific oral form of the medication. This nuanced approach reflects the complexity of individualized patient care, reinforcing the need for personalized dosing determined by healthcare professionals.
In case of a missed dose, the article advises taking it as soon as possible, but also stresses not to double doses if it's almost time for the next scheduled dose. This precaution prevents potential overdosing and aligns with standard pharmaceutical safety practices.
Finally, proper storage is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of keeping the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. This guidance ensures the stability and integrity of the medication, preserving its efficacy.
In conclusion, my expertise in pharmacology underscores the critical importance of proper drug use, adherence to prescribed dosages, and the significance of clear communication with healthcare providers to ensure the safe and effective use of medications.
