SERZONE

Who is Serzone for ?

Nefazodone, an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Nefazodone works in the brain to increase serotonin levels. Increasing serotonin levels will help improve depressive symptoms.

When should I be careful taking Serzone ?

Before you take nefazodone, tell your doctor if you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks any MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)], terfenadine (Seldane), astemizole (Hismanal), or alprazolam (Xanax). You should not take nefazodone if you are taking any of these medications.

Cases of potentially life-threatening liver failure have been rarely reported in patients treated with nefazodone. You should be alert for signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction (eg, jaundice--yellowing of eyes or skin; loss of appetite; and gastrointestinal complaints). If you experience any of these, report them to your doctor immediately.

Before taking nefazodone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nefazodone or any other drugs.
• in addition to the drugs listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); haloperidol (Haldol); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medication for high blood pressure, seizures, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); muscle relaxants; propranolol (Inderal); sedatives; sleeping pills; thyroid medications; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had difficulty urinating, seizures, or kidney, liver, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nefazodone, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking nefazodone.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Side Effects

Side effects from nefazodone are common:

• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• excitement or anxiety
• insomnia
• nightmares
• dry mouth
• skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
• changes in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• slow or difficult speech
• shuffling walk
• persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat