Precautions for Sativex
Bladder outflow obstruction: Sativex can cause the inability to urinate in people who have medical problems that obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder (e.g., enlarged prostate, prostate cancer).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Sativex impairs mental alertness. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities that require mental alertness when using this medication.
Heart problems: Sativex may cause low blood pressure and increase heart rate. It can also cause lightheadedness when getting up from sitting or lying down. Don’t use Sativex if you have a severe heart problem such as an irregular heart rate or rhythm, ischemic heart disease, poorly controlled high blood pressure or heart failure. If you have a history of heart disease or blood pressure problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition.
Intoxication: One of the active ingredients in Sativex is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which affects the central nervous system. It can impair memory, mental performance and the ability to control behavior. It can also causes changes in mood and alter a person’s sense of reality and time. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about using Sativex.
Kidney disease: If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, you should discuss with your doctor how Sativex may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. While taking this medication, your doctor may order blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working.
Liver disease: If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Sativex may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. While taking this medication, your doctor may order blood tests to check how well your liver is working.
Psychiatric disorders: Depressed mood has been reported in people taking Sativex. People with a history of schizophrenia or psychosis should not use this medication. If you are taking medications for psychiatric disorders, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sativex, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report to your doctor as soon as possible any signs of depression (changes in sleep patterns, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide) or other psychiatric changes (mood swings, hallucinations, anxiety).
Seizure disorders: Sativex may cause seizures, especially when higher doses are used or when taken with other medications such as:
• cyclobenzaprine
• neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol, quetiapine, olanzapine, resperidone)
• opioids (e.g., morphine, codeine, oxycodone)
• promethazine
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram)
• tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs; e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)
There’s a higher risk of seizures in people who have epilepsy, a history of seizures, or a head trauma. Discuss with your doctor how Sativex may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Substance abuse disorders: Sativex isn’t recommended for people with addictions as it can cause physical and psychological dependence and has the potential to be abused.
Pregnancy: Sativex shouldn’t be used by women who are pregnant or intend to start a family. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Sativex passes into breast milk. If you are a breastfeeding mother and are taking sativex, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Sativex should not be used in children under 18 years age. The safety and effectiveness of using the medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of Sativex have not been established for seniors. Seniors using Sativex should be monitored closely by their doctor.
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