Fetzima Dosage

2.1 Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage range for FETZIMA is 40 mg to 120 mg once daily, with or without food. FETZIMA should be initiated at 20 mg once daily for 2 days and then increased to 40 mg once daily. Based on clinical response and tolerability, FETZIMA may be increased in increments of 40 mg at intervals of 2 or more days. The maximum recommended dosage is 120 mg once daily.

Take FETZIMA at approximately the same time each day. Swallow FETZIMA whole; do not open, chew, or crush the capsule.

2.2 Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting FETZIMA

Prior to initiating treatment with FETZIMA or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

2.3 Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Renal Impairment

• End stage renal disease (ESRD): FETZIMA is not recommended;
  
• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 15 to 29 mL/min), the dosage should not exceed 40 mg once daily;
  
• Moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30 to 59 mL/min), the dosage should not exceed 80 mg once daily;
  
• Mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 60 to 89 mL/min): no dosage adjustment recommended.

2.4 Discontinuing Treatment with FETZIMA

Discontinuation symptoms have been reported with discontinuation of serotonergic drugs such as FETZIMA. Gradual dose reduction is recommended, instead of abrupt discontinuation, whenever possible. Monitor patients for these symptoms when discontinuing FETZIMA. If intolerable symptoms occur following a dose decrease or upon discontinuation of treatment, consider resuming the previously prescribed dose and decreasing the dose at a more gradual rate.

2.5 Switching a Patient To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Intended to Treat Psychiatric Disorders

At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders and initiation of therapy with FETZIMA. Conversely, at least 7 days should be allowed after stopping FETZIMA before starting an MAOI antidepressant.

2.6 Dosage Recommendations for Use with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors

The maximum recommended dosage of FETZIMA should not exceed 80 mg once daily when used with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.