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Nefazodone |
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What is Nefazodone and why is it prescribed? Nefazodone is prescribed for the treatment of depression severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. It may be several weeks before you feel the full antidepressant effect of Serzone. Once you do begin to feel better, it is important to keep taking the drug. How should you take Nefazodone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nefazodone. Take Nefazodone exactly as prescribed by your doctor even if you no longer feel depressed. Your doctor should check your progress periodically. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Nefazodone at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Are there any Nefazodone side effects? Nefazodone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nefazodone side effects may include blurred or abnormal vision, confusion, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, light-headedness, nausea, sleepiness, and weakness. Less common Nefazodone side effects may include abnormal dreams, cough, decreased concentration, diarrhea, dizziness on getting up, flu-like symptoms, headache, increased appetite, and water retention. Rare Nefazodone side effects may include abnormal bleeding, anxiety, blisters in mouth and eyes, breast pain, breast-milk discharge, breast enlargement in males, chills, coma, decreased sex drive, difficulty urinating, exaggerated reflexes, fever, frequent urination, lack of coordination, liver disease, prolonged erections, rigidity, ringing in ears, seizures, severe allergic reactions, spasms, stiff neck, sweating, taste change, thirst, tremors, urinary tract infection, and vaginal inflammation. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nefazodone? If Nefazodone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nefazodone with Alcohol, Alprazolam (Xanax), Antidepressants that boost serotonin levels (including Celexa, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft), Buspirone (BuSpar), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Haloperidol (Haldol), MAO inhibitors (including Nardil and Parnate), Pimozide (Orap), The cholesterol-lowering drugs (Lipitor, Mevacor, and Zocor), or Triazolam (Halcion). Are there any special warnings about Nefazodone? Your doctor will prescribe Nefazodone with caution if you have a history of seizures or mania or heart or liver disease. Nefazodone should also be used with caution if you have had a heart attack, stroke, or angina; take drugs for high blood pressure; or suffer from dehydration. Under these circumstances, Nefazodone could cause an unwanted drop in blood pressure. Be sure to discuss all of your medical problems with your doctor before taking this drug. Nefazodone has also been known to produce very rare cases of potentially fatal liver failure. Ordinarily, the drug is not prescribed for people with liver disease, and your doctor may periodically test your liver function. If you develop warning signs of liver problems, such as loss of appetite, stomach upset, a generally ill feeling, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, alert your doctor immediately. Treatment with Nefazodone will probably have to be stopped. Nefazodone may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how the drug affects you. Before having surgery, dental treatment, or any diagnostic procedure requiring anesthesia, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking Nefazodone. If you develop an allergic reaction such as a skin rash or hives while taking Nefazodone, notify your doctor. If you are male and experience a prolonged or inappropriate erection while taking Nefazodone, discontinue this drug and call your doctor. If you have ever been addicted to drugs, tell your doctor before you start Nefazodone. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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