Allegra and Levomilnacipran Hydrochloride

• Generic Name: fexofenadine
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated; tablet, orally disintegrating; oral suspension
• Other Brand Names: Allegra, Allegra ODT, Aller-Ease, Children's Allegra Allergy, Mucinex Allergy, Wal-Fex, Allegra 24 Hour Allergy, Allegra Allergy, Children's Allegra ODT, Allergy Relief, Allegra OTC

Allegra (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Allegra is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in adults and children.

Allegra is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children.

Allegra may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: levomilnacipran
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Fetzima

Treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

APA states that effectiveness of antidepressants is generally comparable between and within classes of medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAO inhibitors, and other antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone). Choose antidepressant based mainly on the following factors: patient preference; nature of prior response to medication; safety, tolerability, and anticipated adverse effects; concurrent psychiatric and medical conditions; specific properties of the medication (e.g., half-life, actions on CYP isoenzymes, other drug interactions); and cost. For most patients, an SSRI, SNRI, mirtazapine, or bupropion is considered optimal.

Fibromyalgia

Levomilnacipran is the more active 1S,2R-enantiomer of racemic milnacipran (Savella), which is FDA-labeled for use in the management of fibromyalgia.

Manufacturer states that levomilnacipran (Fetzima) is not approved for the management of fibromyalgia; efficacy and safety of the drug for this use not established.