Nefazodone Brand Name– Serzone
What is Nefazodone
Nefazodone is an oral antidepressant with a mechanism of action distinct from other antidepressants. Chemically, it is a synthetically derived phenylpiperazine.
Nefazodone is structurally similar to trazodone; however, nefazodone causes less sedation or orthostatic hypotension.
Nefazodone is as effective as other antidepressants in treating major depression but lacks the risk for major cardiovascular toxicity seen with tricyclic antidepressants.
Insomnia and inhibition of REM sleep, which are frequently associated with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are not associated with nefazodone.
Nefazodone was first FDA approved in December 1994 for the treatment of major depression in adults; it is not approved by the FDA for use as an antidepressant in children.
Nefazodone’s product label contains a Black Box warning of rare cases of hepatic failure leading to transplantation or death.
In May 2004, the Serzone brand was withdrawn from manufacturing and marketing in the US, although generic products remain available.
The extended-release product (Serzone ER), previously in Phase III trials, is no longer under development.
Indications
- depression
- panic disorder
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- social phobia (social anxiety disorder)
For the treatment of major depression
Side Effects
- acne vulgaris
- agitation
- alopecia
- amenorrhea
- anaphylactoid reactions
- anemia
- angina
- angioedema
- appetite stimulation
- arthralgia
- arthropathy
- asthenia
- ataxia
- atopic dermatitis
- AV block
- blurred vision
- bradycardia
- breast enlargement
- bronchospasm
- candidiasis
- chills
- colitis
- confusion
- conjunctivitis
- constipation
- cough
- cystitis
- dehydration
- depression
- diarrhea
- diplopia
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dysarthria
- dysgeusia
- dyspepsia
- dysphagia
- dyspnea
- ecchymosis
- edema
- ejaculation dysfunction
- elevated hepatic enzymes
- epistaxis
- eructation
- esophagitis
- euphoria
- fever
- flushing
- galactorrhea
- gastritis
- GI bleeding
- gingivitis
- glossitis
- gout
- gynecomastia
- halitosis
- hallucinations
- headache
- hearing loss
- heart failure
- hematuria
- hepatic encephalopathy
- hepatic failure
- hepatic necrosis
- hepatitis
- hepatotoxicity
- hiccups
- hostility
- hyperacusis
- hypercholesterolemia
- hyperesthesia
- hyperkinesis
- hyperprolactinemia
- hypersalivation
- hypertension
- hypertonia
- hyperventilation
- hypoglycemia
- hyponatremia
- hypotension
- hypotonia
- impotence (erectile dysfunction)
- increased urinary frequency
- infection
- influenza
- insomnia
- jaundice
- keratoconjunctivitis
- laryngitis
- leukopenia
- libido decrease
- libido increase
- lymphadenopathy
- maculopapular rash
- malaise
- mania
- mastalgia
- memory impairment
- menorrhagia
- mydriasis
- myoclonia
- nausea
- neonatal abstinence syndrome
- nephrolithiasis
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- neuropathic pain
- night blindness
- nocturia
- ocular pain
- oliguria
- oral ulceration
- orgasm dysfunction
- orthostatic hypotension
- otalgia
- pallor
- paranoia
- paresthesias
- pelvic pain
- peptic ulcer
- peripheral edema
- pharyngitis
- photophobia
- photosensitivity
- polydipsia
- polyuria
- priapism
- pruritus
- psychomotor impairment
- ptosis
- rash
- rhabdomyolysis
- scotomata
- seizures
- serotonin syndrome
- sinus tachycardia
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- stomatitis
- stroke
- suicidal ideation
- syncope
- thrombocytopenia
- tinnitus
- tremor
- urinary incontinence
- urinary retention
- urinary urgency
- urticaria
- vaginal bleeding
- vaginitis
- vertigo
- visual impairment
- vomiting
- weight loss
- xerophthalmia
- xerosis
- xerostomia
- yawning
Monitoring Parameters
- blood pressure
- heart rate
- LFTs
Contraindications
- abrupt discontinuation
- angina
- bipolar disorder
- bradycardia
- breast-feeding
- cardiac disease
- cerebrovascular disease
- children
- closed-angle glaucoma
- dehydration
- driving or operating machinery
- electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- geriatric
- hepatic disease
- hepatotoxicity
- hypertension
- hypotension
- hypovolemia
- increased intraocular pressure
- infants
- jaundice
- mania
- MAOI therapy
- myocardial infarction
- neonates
- pregnancy
- seizures
- stroke
- suicidal ideation
- surgery
Interactions
- Abemaciclib
- Acalabrutinib
- Acebutolol
- Acetaminophen; Butalbital; Caffeine; Codeine
- Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Dihydrocodeine
- Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Magnesium Salicylate; Phenyltoloxamine
- Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Phenyltoloxamine; Salicylamide
- Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine
- Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine
- Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine; Phenyltoloxamine
- Acetaminophen; Codeine
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Doxylamine
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine
- Acetaminophen; Diphenhydramine
- Acetaminophen; Hydrocodone
- Acetaminophen; Oxycodone
- Acetaminophen; Pentazocine
- Acetaminophen; Propoxyphene
- Acetaminophen; Tramadol
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- Aliskiren; Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
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- Aliskiren; Valsartan
- Almotriptan
- Alosetron
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- Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Valsartan
- Amlodipine; Olmesartan
- Amlodipine; Telmisartan
- Amlodipine; Valsartan
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- Chlorpheniramine; Dihydrocodeine; Pseudoephedrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone
- Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone; Phenylephrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine
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