Fosamax (Alendronate)

How is Fosamax like other antidepressants and how is it different?

Fosamax has a chemical structure that is very different from other popular antidepressant medications on the market. Many of the newer antidepressants (i.e. Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) fall within the chemical classification of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). These medications have the effect of blocking the neurotransmitter serotonin from being absorbed back into the originating neuron, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, and reducing symptoms of depression. Fosamax does not affect the levels of serotonin in the brain .

Although it is not really known for sure which neurons are affected by Fosamax, it is believed that it may act upon the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. Because it has a different chemical structure and does not have the same side effects as some of the other antidepressants, it is sometimes used successfully by individuals who have not had improvement with other antidepressants, or are having problems with unpleasant side effects.

When should Fosamax not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications.

What precautions should I follow when taking Fosamax?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking or planning to take any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition if you have high blood pressure

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Fosamax?

If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, contact your doctor. This medicine may have an unusual smell. This is normal. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for extended periods of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

How should I take Fosamax?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Several weeks may pass before your condition improves. Continue to use this medicine for the full time recommended by your doctor. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Your dose is based on your medical condition and your response to therapy. Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine. Taking too much of this medicine may increase your risk of having a seizure. Keep all doctor and lab appointments while taking this medicine. Your doctor will check your progress and may monitor your blood pressure while you are taking this medicine. Additional monitoring of your condition is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. This medicine may cause difficulty sleeping for the first few days or weeks. Taking your dose in the morning will help to prevent this from happening. Contact your doctor if it is severe or if it persists. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages; alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop using alcohol while taking this medicine may have an increased risk of seizures. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. You may not notice the tablet shell in your stool. This is harmless. This is only an empty shell. Your body has already absorbed the medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you currently are taking tranquilizers, do not suddenly stop taking them. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Suddenly stopping these medicines while taking bupropion may increase your risk for seizures. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what medicines are tranquilizers. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine

How should Fosamax be stored?

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General Information:

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What are the side effects of Fosamax?

Most severe: Muscle pain, joint pain, sores in your mouth, or fever, seizures, fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, severe nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, severe restlessness, worsening feelings of depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or any other mental or mood changes.

Most common: Dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, flushing, headache or migraine, loss of appetite, weight loss, anxiety or restlessness, shakiness, increased sweating, ringing in the ears, strange taste in mouth, or weakness.

Other: Allergic reaction including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.