What should I watch for?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.
Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
chest pain or discomfort
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
rapid weight gain
shortness of breath
slow or irregular heartbeat
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
blurred vision
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
change in consciousness
chills
cold, clammy skin
cold sweats
confusion as to time, place, or person
cool, pale skin
decrease in amount of urine
difficulty breathing
dilated neck veins
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
drowsiness
extreme fatigue
fast or pounding heartbeat or pulse
fast, weak pulse
hallucinations
holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased volume of pale, dilute urine
irregular breathing
irritability
loss of appetite
loss of consciousness
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
nausea or vomiting
nervousness
nightmares
no breathing
noisy breathing
not able to pass urine
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
pain or aching in the lower legs
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
sweating
swelling of the face, hands, fingers, feet, ankles, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
trembling
troubled breathing
unconsciousness
unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
very drowsy or sleepy
weakness and heaviness of legs
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
