Nefazodone / Serzone

Nefazodone is used to treat depression and anxiety symptoms.

Proper use of this medication:

    * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a high feeling.
    * Take this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses.
    * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Nefazodone is rapidly eliminated from the body and usually must be taken twice daily.
    * Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication, as alcohol may interfere with its effectiveness.
    * Nefazodone should be taken with food.
    * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with your psychiatrist.
    * Inform your clinician if you have any liver problems.
    * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your psychiatrist.

Serious symptoms may result from sudden discontinuation.

    * Store this medicine in a cool, safe area away from the reach of children.

This medication is usually well tolerated. Most side effects appear immediately, and stop within the first couple weeks. Possible side effects include:

    * Drowsiness: Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
    * Weight loss, decreased appetite.
    * Nausea: This is usually temporary. Take with food if this becomes a problem.
    * Dry mouth: This is usually temporary. Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum. Use fluoridated toothpaste at least twice daily.
    * Dizziness: This may occur when you arise from a lying or sitting position too quickly, especially 4-6 hours after taking your medication. Rise and change positions more slowly to let your body adjust.
    * Low Blood Pressure: This is uncommon and may subside with continued use.
    * Constipation: Drink plenty of fluids (avoid alcohol and caffeine). Get daily exercise (such as walking). Increase the fiber in your diet (fresh fruit, vegetables, bran cereal, etc.)
    * Headache: This is usually temporary and subsides with continued use.
    * Blurred Vision: This is unusual, usually temporary, and usually subsides with continued use.

The following other medications should not be taken without first consulting with your psychiatrist:

    * Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Isocarboxazid/Marplan, Tranylcypromine/Parnate, Phenelzine/Nardil).
    * Other antidepressants such as: Venlafaxine/Effexor, Tricyclics, Sertraline/Zoloft, Fluvoxamine/Luvox, St.John's Wort.
    * Buspirone (Buspar).
    * Calcium channel blockers: Diltiazem, Felodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil.
    * Alprazolam/Xanax, Triazolam/Halcion.
    * Terfenadine/Seldane, Astemizole/Hismanal.
    * Haloperidol/Haldol, Propanolol/Inderal, Digoxin/Lanoxin.
    * Carbamazepine/Tegretol, Rifampin, Cisapride, Erythromycin, Ethinyl estradiol, Tamoxifen, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole.
    * Ritonavir/Norvir.
    * Ginkgo biloba may interfere with effectiveness.

Copyright 2007 Pharmacy Associates

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