Uses
Tasimelteon is used to treat certain sleep disorders (non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, sleep disturbances in Smith-Magenis Syndrome). It works like a natural substance called melatonin that your body produces. It helps to control your sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Tasimelteon may improve your ability to sleep at night and to be more active during the day.
How to use Tasimelteon 20 Mg Capsule Hypnotics
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually one hour before bedtime, at the same time every night. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. If you are using the capsule form, swallow the capsules whole.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, read the Instructions for Use Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using tasimelteon suspension and each time you get a refill. Shake the bottle well for at least 30 seconds before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
It is very important to take this medication at the same time each night so that you can form a normal sleep-wake cycle. See also Missed Dose section.
It may take up to several months before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.
Side Effects
Headache, nightmares, or strange dreams may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tasimelteon may also make you drowsy during the day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have daytime drowsiness.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking tasimelteon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.
This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Liquid products may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of tasimelteon from your body, which may affect how tasimelteon works. Examples include ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), viloxazine, among others.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), other drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medication. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store the capsules at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the liquid form in the refrigerator. Once the bottle for the liquid form is opened, the medication expires after 5 weeks (for the 48 milliliter bottle) or after 8 weeks (for the 158 milliliter bottle). Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Images
tasimelteon 20 mg capsule
Color: blueShape: oblongImprint: MT1 20 mgThis medicine is a blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "MT1" and "20 mg".
tasimelteon 20 mg capsule
Color: light blueShape: oblongImprint: A44This medicine is a blue, oblong, capsule imprinted with "MT1" and "20 mg".
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.