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Nefazodone
Brand Name: Serzone
Overview
Serzone is the brand name for nefazodone, an anti-depressant. Serzone is a
serotonin inhibitor and is in some ways similar to SSRIs like Prozac and
Zoloft, though its structure is different; Serzone’s structure is closely
related to that of Desyrel (trazodone). In some cases, Serzone is used
because it causes fewer side effects than other anti-depressants.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Serzone is used to treat depression, especially when symptoms include anxiety
and insomnia. SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft may cause restlessness and
sexual dysfunction. Serzone usually does not cause these problems, and, in
fact, it is more likely to cause some sedation rather than insomnia, which
is helpful in treating patients whose symptoms of depression include
difficulty sleeping. There has been some study of Serzone in PTSD as well.
Warnings
and Precautions
No specific information on Serzone use in children is available.
Serzone is not known to cause withdrawal symptoms, but when Serzone is
discontinued, it is recommended that the dosage be gradually tapered.
A patient should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects
of Serzone on that patient are known and do not present a danger to the
patient or others.
Serzone has a very low chance of causing serious liver damage, less than
1 in 300,000 per year of use, but patients taking Serzone should be aware of
this risk and discuss it with a doctor.
For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: no specific information on Serzone in
pregnant or nursing mothers is available, and caution is advised.
Contraindications
Serzone should Not be used for people with an allergic reaction or
sensitivity to it or to other phenylpiperazine antidepressants.
Precautions
Serzone may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
- Bipolar disorder: Serzone, as with other anti-depressants, may cause
mania when used in bipolar patients. Bipolar patients may be able to use
Serzone while taking a mood stabilizer.
Adverse
Reactions
Serzone may cause the following reactions:
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- drowsiness / sleepiness
- nausea
- constipation
- visual problems
- confusion
- orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing or sitting up)
Most side effects decrease with continued use as the body adjusts to Serzone.
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Serzone include:
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors – Serzone must not be used within 14 days after taking an MAO Inhibitor. However, an MAO Inhibitor may be used 7 days after Serzone is discontinued.
- Antihistamines: Serzone may increase blood levels of the antihistamines Seldane and Hismanal to dangerous levels.
- Halcion (triazolam) : Serzone may raise blood levels of the sedative Halcion, concomitant use is not recommended.
- Xanax (alprazolam) : Serzone may raise blood levels of Xanax. It is recommended that Xanax dosage be reduced by 50% (with no change in Serzone dosage) while both drugs are being taken.
- Alcohol: may increase side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Serzone.
- Haldol (haloperidol): Haldol dosage may need to be adjusted when taken with Serzone.
- Seldane (terfenadine), Hismanal (astemizole), and Propulsid (cisapride): these medications should be avoided when taking Serzone.
Sources
http://nyny.essortment.com/whatisserzone_rskx.htm
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/nefazodone.html
http://www.healthyplace.com/medications/nefazodone.htm
http://www.wellnessmd.com/serzone.html
Information about possible liver damage:
http://www.burke-eisner.com/serzone/index.htm
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