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WARNING: CHANGES IN THINKING AND BEHAVIOR, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, or young adults during the first few months of treatment.
This risk is higher in individuals with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or suicidal behavior.
Monitor for any sudden changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts.
Suicide attempts
There is a risk of seizures, especially in people with specific medical conditions or when taking interacting medications.
Stop the medication and call your provider immediately if a seizure occurs.
Bupropion may raise blood pressure, which can be severe in some cases.
May trigger mania or hypomania in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Watch for signs such as:
Increased energy or speech
Racing thoughts
Impulsive behavior
Excessive happiness or irritability
Unusual Thoughts or Behaviors
May increase the risk of glaucoma. Watch for eye pain, vision changes, redness, or swelling around the eyes.
Rash, hives, or itching
Fever or swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Have a history of seizures or epilepsy
Have or had an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
Take other bupropion-containing medications, including Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban, Aplenzin, or Forfivo XL
Use alcohol or sedatives heavily and are stopping them suddenly
Are taking or have recently stopped taking an MAOI (including linezolid or methylene blue); a 14-day washout period is required
Are allergic to bupropion or any of the inactive ingredients in Bupropion XL
Have liver or kidney problems
Have had a head injury or brain tumor
Have had a seizure or stroke
Have high blood pressure, heart disease, or have had a heart attack
Are diabetic and taking insulin or blood sugar-lowering medications
Drink alcohol or use recreational drugs
Are pregnant or planning pregnancy (call the National Pregnancy Registry at 1-844-405-6185)
Are breastfeeding — bupropion passes into breast milk in small amounts
Most Common Side Effects
Trouble sleeping
Stuffy nose
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Nausea
Constipation
Joint pain
This is not a full list of side effects. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your provider or the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
Note from Boggs Wellness
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace conversations with your healthcare provider. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your licensed provider, considering your individual health needs.About Metformin
Metformin is FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Healthcare providers may also prescribe Metformin off-label to support weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.
Common Side Effects
Abdominal distress
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Prescribing Information
Black Box Warning
Lactic Acidosis
Metformin can cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the blood that can lead to death. This is a medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital.
Stop taking Metformin XR and contact your provider immediately if you experience:
Extreme weakness or fatigue
Unusual muscle pain
Trouble breathing
Unusual sleepiness or sleeping longer than usual
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Feeling cold, especially in arms and legs
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Slow or irregular heartbeat
You May Be at Higher Risk of Lactic Acidosis If You:
Have kidney problems (Metformin should not be used if kidneys are not functioning properly)
Have liver problems
Have congestive heart failure requiring medication
Drink alcohol excessively (frequent or binge drinking)
Are dehydrated from fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or not drinking enough fluids
Are undergoing imaging with contrast dye
Are having surgery
Have had a heart attack, severe infection, or stroke
Are 80 years or older and have not had your kidney function checked
Have kidney problems
Are allergic to metformin or any ingredients in Metformin XR
Are receiving contrast dye for an x-ray or undergoing surgery and will not be able to eat or drink—your provider may instruct you to temporarily stop the medication
💬 Tell Your Provider Before Taking Metformin XR If You:
Have Type 1 diabetes (Metformin is not for this condition)
Have a history of or risk for diabetic ketoacidosis
Have liver, kidney, or heart problems
Are over age 80 (you must have normal kidney function confirmed)
Drink alcohol regularly or engage in binge drinking
Are taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications
Have other medical conditions
Are pregnant or planning pregnancy (risk to unborn baby unknown; discuss with your provider)
Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (unknown if metformin passes into breast milk)
Tell your provider about all medications you take, including:
Prescription and non-prescription drugs
Vitamins
Herbal supplements
Metformin XR may interact with other medicines and change how they work—or how Metformin works.
The most common side effects of Metformin XR include:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Upset stomach
These symptoms usually resolve over time. Taking Metformin with meals may reduce side effects.
Let your provider know if symptoms:
Persist longer than a few weeks
Start later in your treatment
Become bothersome
In some cases, a dosage change or temporary discontinuation may be necessary.
Other Reported Effects
Metallic taste in the mouth (seen in ~3% of patients, usually short-lived)
Hypoglycemia is rare when taken alone but may occur with missed meals, alcohol use, or other diabetes medications
You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
All treatment decisions must be made between you and your provider, based on your individual medical history and needs.
This product information is intended for U.S. residents only and may differ from labeling in other countries.
Please note: Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing standards.
FDA-Approved Use:
Naltrexone is a prescription medication FDA-approved to:
Treat alcohol dependence
Prevent relapse to opioid dependence after opioid detoxification
Naltrexone may also be prescribed off-label to support weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.
Common Side Effects
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Risk of Opioid Overdose
Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, including:
Prescription opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, tramadol)
Street drugs such as heroin
Do NOT attempt to override this effect by taking large doses of opioids, as this can lead to serious injury, coma, or death.
Once Naltrexone’s blocking effect wears off, your sensitivity to opioids increases. This means that even small amounts of opioids—taken:
After detox
When your next dose is due
After missing a dose
After stopping treatment
…can result in overdose or death.
Inform your close contacts about this increased sensitivity and the risk of overdose.
Talk to your provider about naloxone, an emergency medication for opioid overdose. Always call 911 if overdose is suspected—even if naloxone is used.
Sudden Opioid Withdrawal
To avoid withdrawal, you must stop using all opioids (including prescription, street drugs, and treatments like buprenorphine or methadone) for 7 to 14 days before starting Naltrexone.
Opioid withdrawal can be severe and may require hospitalization.
Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
Anxiety or restlessness
Muscle aches, twitches, or cramps
Runny nose or teary eyes
Yawning, chills, or goosebumps
Hot or cold flashes
Sweating or fever
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Abdominal cramping
Insomnia
Liver Damage or Hepatitis
Naltrexone can cause liver toxicity. Contact your provider if you experience:
Stomach pain (lasting more than a few days)
Dark urine
Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Unusual fatigue
Your provider may stop treatment if signs of serious liver damage develop.
Are using or physically dependent on opioids
Are experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Are allergic to Naltrexone or any inactive ingredients in the formulation
💬 Before Taking Naltrexone, Tell Your Provider If You:
Have liver disease or hepatitis
Use or have used illicit drugs
Have bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
Have kidney disease
Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
Are breastfeeding (Naltrexone passes into breast milk; your provider can help weigh the risks and benefits)
Also tell your provider if you take any:
Prescription or non-prescription medications
Vitamins or herbal supplements
Especially opioid-containing products for pain, cough, or diarrhea
Depressed mood: May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Let your provider and loved ones know you're taking Naltrexone.
Pneumonia: Rare allergic reactions may cause pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Seek immediate medical help for:
Rash
Swelling of face, eyes, lips, or tongue
Chest pain
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea
Sleepiness
Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Joint or muscle pain
Cold-like symptoms
Trouble sleeping
Toothache
These are not all possible side effects. Tell your provider if any side effect worsens or doesn’t go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA:
www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088
Treat partial-onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 2 years and older
Treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (with other medications)
Prevent migraine headaches in adults and adolescents 12 years and older
Common Side Effects
Drowsiness
Metallic taste (dysgeusia)
Memory or concentration difficulties
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (paresthesias)
Eye Problems
Topiramate may cause sudden vision changes or glaucoma (increased eye pressure). These can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Call your provider right away if you notice:
Decreased or blurred vision
Eye pain or redness
Decreased Sweating & Overheating
Watch for:
High fever
Flushed skin
Confusion or lack of sweating during physical activity or hot weather
Metabolic Acidosis
Topiramate may cause a build-up of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis), which can:
Lead to bone loss, kidney stones, or slowed growth in children
Cause fatigue, poor appetite, irregular heartbeat, or mental fog
Your provider may check your blood for acid levels during treatment.
Suicidal Thoughts and Mood Changes
Topiramate may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in a small number of people.
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
Depression or anxiety
Irritability or mood swings
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Aggression or unusual behavior
Pregnancy and Birth Defects
Topiramate can harm your unborn baby. It may cause birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate, especially in the first trimester.
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or not using contraception
If pregnancy occurs, discuss your options and consider enrolling in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry: 1-888-233-2334
Topiramate may also cause low birth weight or growth issues
Stopping Topiramate abruptly can lead to serious seizures, even in those without a seizure disorder. Always taper under your provider’s guidance.
Are allergic to topiramate or any of its ingredients
Have depression, suicidal thoughts, or mood disorders
Have kidney problems, kidney stones, or are on dialysis
Have a history of metabolic acidosis
Have liver disease
Have bone conditions (osteoporosis, osteomalacia, or osteopenia)
Are on a ketogenic diet
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Are scheduled for surgery
Topiramate may interact with:
Valproic acid (Depakene®, Depakote®)
Medications affecting alertness or coordination
Hormonal birth control — Topiramate may reduce effectiveness
Keep a current medication list and share it with your provider and pharmacist.
Take exactly as prescribed
Swallow tablets whole — do not chew (they taste bitter)
Can be taken with or without food
Drink plenty of water to help prevent kidney stones
Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose and it's within 6 hours of your next one, skip it — do not double up.
Alcohol, which may increase side effects like dizziness or drowsiness
Driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you
Activities with risk of loss of consciousness (e.g., swimming, heights) if you have a seizure disorder
High ammonia levels (especially with valproic acid): may cause fatigue, confusion, or vomiting
Cognitive impairment (trouble with memory, attention, or speech)
Skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
Kidney stones
Drop in body temperature (especially when used with valproic acid)
Tingling in hands and feet (paresthesia)
Dizziness or drowsiness
Nausea or diarrhea
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Slow reaction time
Memory or speech difficulties
Nervousness or fatigue
Fever
Vision changes
Respiratory infections
To report adverse effects, contact the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088
This material is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice.
All decisions about treatment should be made in consultation with your licensed provider.
This information is intended for U.S. residents only and may differ from labeling in other countries.
Would you like this formatted into a PDF handout or added to your digital intake documents? I can package all four medication safety sheets for easy patient use.
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