Equazine-M

Equazine-M tablets are indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually do not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

The effectiveness of Equazine-M tablets in long-term use, that is, more than 4 months, has not been assessed by systematic clinical studies. The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

Equazine-M affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Equazine-M is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders.

Equazine-M may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Equazine-M Tablets USP: The usual adult daily dosage is 1200 mg to 1600 mg, in three or four divided doses; a daily dosage above 2400 mg is not recommended. The usual daily dosage for children ages six to twelve years is 200 mg to 600 mg, in two or three divided doses.

Not recommended for children under age 6.

How supplied

Equazine-M Tablets USP 200 mg are scored, round, white tablets imprinted 591-B supplied in bottles of 100 and 1000.

Equazine-M Tablets USP 400 mg are scored, round, white tablets imprinted 591-A supplied in bottles of 100 and 1000.

Dispense in well-closed container with child-resistant closure.

Store at controlled room temperature: 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).

Watson Laboratories, Inc. Corona, CA 92880, USA. Revised: April 2004. FDA Rev date: 4/25/2001

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Equazine-M?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Equazine-M may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Equazine-M.

Do not stop taking Equazine-M suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Equazine-M.

Notify your doctor if you develop a fever, a skin rash, or a sore throat.

Use Equazine-M as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Equazine-M by mouth with or without food.
• Do not crush or chew Equazine-M before swallowing because of its bitter taste.
• If you miss a dose of Equazine-M, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Equazine-M.

This medication is used short-term to treat symptoms of anxiety and nervousness. It acts on certain centers of the brain to help calm your nervous system.

How to use Equazine-M

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Adults should not take more than 2400 milligrams in a 24-hour period.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.

If this medication has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses, withdrawal symptoms (such as vomiting, shakiness, confusion, and rarely seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Equazine-M?

Equazine-M may reverse the analgesic activity of narcotic analgesics. Concurrent use with vasoconstrictor agents including ergot alkaloids, sumatriptan, and nicotine (e.g. smoking) may result in enhanced vasoconstriction.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Equazine-M?

Applies to Equazine-M: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by Equazine-M (the active ingredient contained in Equazine-M). In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Severity: Moderate

If any of the following side effects occur while taking Equazine-M, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

Less common:

• Skin rash, hives, or itching

• Confusion
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• sore throat and fever
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual excitement
• wheezing, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing

• Confusion (severe)
• dizziness or lightheadedness (continuing)
• drowsiness (severe)
• shortness of breath or slow or troubled breathing
• slow heartbeat
• slurred speech
• staggering
• weakness (severe)

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with Equazine-M may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

More common:

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• drowsiness

• Blurred vision or change in near or distant vision
• diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• false sense of well-being
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side Effects: Post Treatment

After you stop taking this drug, it is possible that you may still experience side effects that need medical attention. If you notice any of the following side effects check with your doctor immediately:

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• increased dreaming
• muscle twitching
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness or restlessness
• nightmares
• trembling
• trouble in sleeping

A carbamate with hypnotic, sedative, and some muscle relaxant properties, although in therapeutic doses reduction of anxiety rather than a direct effect may be responsible for muscle relaxation. Apo-Equazine-M has been reported to have anticonvulsant actions against petit mal seizures, but not against grand mal seizures (which may be exacerbated). It is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and also for the short-term management of insomnia but has largely been superseded by the benzodiazepines. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p603) Apo-Equazine-M is a controlled substance in the U.S.