What should I watch for?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Notify your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms get worse, if you have new symptoms, if you are having an unusual effect from this medicine, or if you feel out of control, very discouraged or think you might harm yourself or others.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine 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 increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.
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:
More common
Absence of or decrease in body movement
difficulty with swallowing
inability to sit still
incremental or ratchet-like movement of the muscle
loss of balance control
mask-like face
muscle discomfort
muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
need to keep moving
restlessness
rigid or stiff muscles
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
shuffling walk
slow movements
slow reflexes
slurred speech
stiffness of the arms and legs
tic-like (jerky) movements of the head, face, mouth, and neck
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
twisting movements of the body
uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
Less common
Arm, back, or jaw pain
blurred vision
burning while urinating
changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
chest pain or discomfort
chills
cold sweats
confusion
difficult or painful urination
difficulty opening the mouth
difficulty with breathing
dizziness
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
fixed position of the eye
headache
high fever
inability to move the eyes
inability to speak
increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
increased sweating
lockjaw
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm, especially of the neck and back
nervousness
pale skin
pounding in the ears
seizures
severe muscle stiffness
severe or sudden headache
slow or fast heartbeat
slurred speech
sticking out of the tongue
sweating
temporary blindness
tiredness
trouble with breathing, speaking, or swallowing
troubled breathing with exertion
uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual facial expressions
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusually pale skin
weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
Rare
Black, tarry stools
bloody urine
breast pain or swelling
dark-colored urine
decreased frequency or amount of urine
increased thirst
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
muscle cramp, pain, or stiffness
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
swollen glands
vomiting
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:
More common
belching
drowsiness
hyperventilation
indigestion
irritability
relaxed and calm feeling
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
trouble sleeping
unusually deep sleep
unusually long duration of sleep
Less common
Abnormal dreams
back pain
blurred vision
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
decreased appetite
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
indigestion
sensation of spinning
sweating
tenderness in the stomach area
watering of mouth and drooling
Rare
Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
inability to have or keep an erection
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
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.
