Vivarin (Generic)

This medication is used occasionally to help you stay awake and alert when you are feeling tired and/or drowsy. Caffeine is a mild stimulant.

This medication should not be used to replace sleep.

This medication should not be used in children younger than 12 years old.

Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should only be used as needed, not on a regular basis. Though very unlikely, this medication may be habit-forming. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently than directed, or take it regularly for a long time.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as headaches, mental/mood changes such as irritation/nervousness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used caffeine for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists, worsens, or continues to occur again. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, or increased urination may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she 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.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, mental/mood changes (e.g., nervousness, agitation), shaking (tremor), fast/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.

Before taking caffeine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other xanthine drugs (e.g., theophylline); 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: heart disease (e.g., irregular heart rhythm, recent heart attack), high blood pressure, stomach/intestinal ulcers, mental/mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, nervousness).

Before having surgery or certain medical procedures (such as a heart stress test or a procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm if you have an unusually fast heartbeat), tell your doctor or dentist that you use this medication and about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially trouble sleeping.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Refer to storage information printed on the package. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all drug products 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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.

Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or headache medications).

Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, certain sodas) or eating large amounts of chocolate while taking this medication.

This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including urine VMA/catecholamines levels, dipyridamole-thallium imaging test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach/abdominal pain, mental/mood changes, seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat.

Not applicable.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.