WYTENSIN

Drug Name: WYTENSIN

WYTENSIN DESCRIPTION:
GUANABENZ - ORAL (GWAN-uh-benz)

COMMON WYTENSIN BRAND NAME(S):
Wytensin

WYTENSIN SIDE EFFECTS:
You may feel tired and run down the first few weeks while taking WYTENSIN as your body adjusts to the lower blood pressure. This is normal. Continue taking the medication. If the symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Dizziness and drowsiness are common especially during the first few weeks of therapy Other side effects may include headache, indigestion, nasal congestion, decreased sexual ability, blurred vision, or sleep disturbances. Contact your doctor if you experience: breathing difficulties, tremors, swelling of the hands or feet, chest pain, depression. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE WYTENSIN:
WYTENSIN: Take WYTENSIN exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking WYTENSIN without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. WYTENSIN may be taken with food or milk if stomach irritation occurs. It is important to continue taking WYTENSIN even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

WYTENSIN USES:
WYTENSIN is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

WYTENSIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: heart disease, liver disease, kidney problems, any drug allergies. Use caution performing task requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery if WYTENSIN makes you dizzy or drowsy. Limit or avoid alcohol because it may add to the dizziness and/or drowsiness effects of WYTENSIN. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. WYTENSIN should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if guanabenz is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

WYTENSIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol); drugs that may make you drowsy (e.g., narcotic analgesics, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicine or sleep medicines); other blood pressure medicine. Many medications for coughs and colds contain ingredients which may increase blood pressure. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain it is safe to take your nonprescription drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

WYTENSIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slowed breathing, slow or irregular heartbeat, irritability, paleness, fainting, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

WYTENSIN NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking WYTENSIN. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. Do not allow anyone else to take WYTENSIN.

MISSED WYTENSIN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

WYTENSIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.