Sarafem is one of the brand names for the generic medication known as Fluoxetine. It is sold in the following forms:

• 10-mg lavender capsules
• 20-mg pink/lavender capsules

Pills come in a variety of size bottles or blister packs.

How to Find the Right Dose

A doctor is always the best person to decide which dose is right, based on current health status, body type and age. The recommended starting dose may differ, depending on which condition it is being used for and whether the patient is an adult or a child.

For women with PMDD, the usual starting dose is 20 mg a day. Depending on the specific case and symptoms, a doctor may tell her to take Sarafem every day. Alternatively, she may only need to take it during certain times of the month, usually from 14 days before her next period is due to start through the first full day of her period.

For adults with depression or OCD, the usual starting dose is 20 mg, taken once a day in the morning. If there has not been enough improvement after 4 to 5 weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased by adding to the morning dose or adding a second dose later in the day. The maximum dose should never exceed 80 mg a day.

For children with depression or OCD, the starting dose should be 10 mg a day, taken in the morning. Over time, the dose can be increased to 20 mg a day, if needed. The maximum dose is 60 mg a day. Lower-weight children may need to stick with a maximum of 20 to 30 mg a day.

For adults with bulimia, the starting dose should be 60 mg a day, taken once a day in the morning.