The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute, the
expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that using Serzone is safe or appropriate for you.
Brand Name: Serzone
Generic Name: nefazodone
What is Serzone used for? Serzone is in a class of antidepressant drugs
used to relieve symptoms of depression.
FDA Warnings for Serzone: The FDA issued a public health alert for
Serzone in March 2004 warning that this antidepressant can lead to deeper
depression and suicide. The FDA recommends that health care providers warn
patients, their families and their caregivers to be alert for agitation,
irritability, suicide and worsening depression while using Serzone. The FDA also
recommends that health care providers closely monitor adult and children treated
with nefazodone for worsening of depression or suicidal tendencies, especially
at the beginning of therapy or when the dose either increases or decreases.
The FDA issued a Public Health Advisory in October 2003 about increased reports
of suicidal thinking, suicide attempts, hostility and self-harm in children
using Serzone. The FDA urges that Serzone be used with caution in children.
Parents of children using Serzone should consult the prescribing physician
immediately to discuss the suicide risks involved in taking Serzone.
It should be noted that the safety and effectiveness of Serzone in pediatric
patients has not been established. In clinical trials, only Prozac (fluoxetine)
has been found effective for children.
Drug Interaction Warnings for Serzone:
The following drugs can have very serious interactions that could lead to
seizures, heart damage, and even death when taken with Serzone;
_ Astemizole (Hismanal).
_ Cisapride (Propulsid).
_ Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Epitol, Carbatrol).
_ Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
_ Pimozide (Orap).
_ Terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D).
_ Triazolam (Halcion).
General Serzone Precautions:
_ Serzone has been associated with serious liver problems, sometimes resulting
in liver transplant or death. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience
early signs of liver problems including; yellowing of the skin or eyes;
unusually dark urine; loss of appetite that lasts several days or longer; severe
nausea; or stomach pain.
_ Do not take Serzone if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
within the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction can occur if combined with
MAO inhibitors.
_ It is not known whether Serzone will harm an unborn baby or a nursing baby.
_ Nefazodone may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Patients using
Serzone should exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
_ Serzone may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid driving,
operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
_ You are more likely to experience side effects from Serzone if you are over
the age of 60.
_ Rise slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness
or possible falls.
_ If you skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not
take a double dose of nefazodone. Overdose is possible.
Serzone can cause serious side effects. Only you can decide if Serzone is the
best means of treating depression symptoms. It is important for people currently
taking Serzone to discuss side effect concerns with their physician.
Serzone Side Effects:
_ Agitation.
_ Irritability.
_ Deepened depression.
_ Increased risk of suicide.
_ Serious liver problems resulting in liver transplant or death.
_ Prolonged, painful, or inappropriate erections.
_ Fast or irregular heartbeat or pulse.
_ High blood pressure.
_ Low blood pressure.
_ Dizziness.
_ Fainting.
_ Drowsiness.
_ Weakness.
_ Blurred or abnormal vision.
_ Insomnia.
_ Nausea.
_Constipation.
_ Dry mouth.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: An allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or
tongue; or hives). Stop taking Serzone and contact your doctor immediately if
you experience early signs of liver problems including; yellowing of the skin or
eyes; unusually dark urine; loss of appetite that lasts several days or longer;
severe nausea; or stomach pain. Contact your doctor immediately or seek
emergency medical treatment if you also experience prolonged, painful, or
inappropriate erections. This could lead to a serious condition requiring
surgery.
Symptoms of overdose may include: Symptoms of a Serzone overdose include
drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.
Before taking Serzone, tell your doctor if you have or have had:
_ Seizures.
_ Liver disease.
_ Kidney disease.
_ Heart disease.
_ High or low blood pressure.
_ Irregular heartbeats.
_ A history of manic episodes.
_ Suicidal thoughts.
What should I avoid while taking Serzone?
_ Use alcohol cautiously while taking Serzone. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness.
What other drugs will affect Serzone? The following drugs can have very
serious interactions that could lead to seizures, heart damage, and even death
when taken with Serzone;
_ Astemizole (Hismanal).
_ Cisapride (Propulsid).
_ Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Epitol, Carbatrol).
_ Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
_ Pimozide (Orap).
_ Terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D).
_ Triazolam (Halcion).
Serzone can increase the effects of many other drugs, leading to serious side
effects. If taking Serzone, talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Do not take nefazodone with the
following medicines without your doctor’s approval:
_ Alprazolam.
_ Atorvastatin , lovastatin or simvastatin.
_ Cyclosporine.
_ Digoxin.
_ Haloperidol.
_ Lorazepam.
_ Phenytoin.
_ Tacrolimus.
_ Warfarin.
_ Drugs other than the above listed may also interact with Serzone. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription, over-the-counter medicines
or natural supplements.
People seeking depression relief should carefully evaluate Serzone information
and side effects before deciding to take Serzone. Consult your healthcare
professional before using nefazodone.
The natural antidepressant Deprex is a safe and effective depression treatment
scientifically formulated to elevate mood without the potentially harmful side
effects commonly associated with Serzone. Self-help techniques, psychotherapy,
diet and lifestyle changes or a combination of approaches have also successfully
worked at treating depression.
If you want to eliminate depression and start living a more fulfilling and
satisfying life without the cost or side effects of prescription depression
medications, Deprex is perfect for you. Safely order Deprex online today on this
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*This antidepressant drug information does not endorse Serzone, diagnose
patients or recommend therapy. The information contained herein is not intended
to cover all possible warnings, uses, precautions, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse side effects of Serzone. If you have questions about the
drugs you are taking, check with your health care provider or pharmacist. The
information provided should not be construed to indicate that Serzone is safe,
effective or appropriate.
Do not stop taking Serzone without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may
need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping Serzone completely. Suddenly
stopping nefazodone may cause unpleasant and potentially serious side effects.
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