RALDESY TM

Clinical summary

Indications and usage 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RALDESY TM is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. RALDESY is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults ( 1 ). Dosage and administration 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Starting dosage: 150 mg orally in divided doses daily. May be increased by 50 mg per day every three to four days. Maximum dosage: 400 mg per day in divided doses ( 2.1 ). Administer RALDESY shortly after a meal or light snack ( 2.1 ). When discontinuing RALDESY, gradually reduce dose ( 2.5 ). 2.1 Recommended Dosage The initial dosage of RALDESY for the treatment of MDD in adults is 150 mg daily, taken orally, in divided doses. The dosage should be initiated at a low-dose and increased gradually, depending on clinical response and an tolerance. Occurrence of drowsiness may require the administration of a major portion of the daily dose at bedtime or a reduction of dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] The dose may be increased by 50 mg daily every 3 to 4 days. The maximum recommended dosage for outpatients usually should not exceed 400 mg daily in divided doses. Inpatients (i.e., more severely depressed patients) may be given up to, but not in excess, of 600 mg daily in divided doses. Administer RALDESY orally after a meal or light snack [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.2 Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting RALDESY Prior to initiating treatment with RALDESY or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]. 2.3 Switching to or from Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of RALDESY. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping RALDESY before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. 2.4 Dosage Recommendations for Concomitant Use with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers Coadministration with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Consider reducing RALDESY dose based on tolerability when RALDESY is coadministered with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Coadministration with Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Consider increasing RALDESY dose based on therapeutic response when RALDESY is coadministered with a strong CYP3A4 inducer [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. 2.5 Discontinuation of Treatment with RALDESY Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of RALDESY [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ]. Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping RALDESY abruptly whenever possible. Warnings and cautions 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRI, SNRI, triptans), but also when taken alone. If it occurs, discontinue RALDESY and initiate supportive treatment ( 5.2 ). Cardiac Arrhythmias: Increases the QT interval. Avoid use with drugs that also increase the QT interval and in patients with risk factors for prolonged QT interval ( 5.3 ). Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope: Warn patients of risk and symptoms of hypotension ( 5.4 ). Increased Risk of Bleeding: Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may increase this risk ( 5.5 ). Priapism: Cases of painful and prolonged penile erections and priapism have been reported. Immediate medical attention should be sought if signs and symptoms of prolonged penile erections or priapism are observed ( 5.6 ). Activation of Mania or Hypomania: Screen for bipolar disorder and monitor for mania or hypomania ( 5.7 ). Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment: Has potential to impair judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Advise patients to use caution when operating machinery ( 5.9 ). Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Avoid use of antidepressants, including RALDESY, in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles. ( 5.10 ). 5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and over 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1,000 pa