Serzone

Serzone is a drug that is licensed to treat depression in adults. By balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), the medicine can improve the symptoms of depression and reduce the chances of a relapse. Serzone comes in tablet form and is generally taken twice a day. Potential side effects can include headache, drowsiness, and nausea.

 

What Is Serzone?

Serzone® (nefazodone hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
 
(Click Serzone Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Serzone was originally manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. However, Bristol-Myers Squibb voluntarily stopped making the medication, due to concerns of liver toxicity (see Serzone and Liver Failure). Generic versions are still available and are made by a few manufacturers.
 

How Does Serzone Work?

It is not entirely clear how Serzone works.
 No other medications work exactly like it. Serzone acts on specific chemicals within the brain known as serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals are used to send messages between nerves; when levels become unbalanced, however, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Serzone helps to block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine so that more is available for the nerves in the brain, returning the serotonin back to its "normal" levels. However, unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Serzone may also block certain types of serotonin receptors.
 

Effects of Serzone

Serzone has been studied in many clinical trials for the treatment of depression. In theses studies, people taking the drug had more improvement in their depression symptoms than those not taking it. This was also shown to be true for people who were hospitalized for their depression. Two long-term studies have shown that Serzone can also reduce the chance of depression relapse.
 

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations for when and how to take Serzone include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day.
     
  • You can take Serzone with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Your dosages should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Serzone will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Serzone your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Serzone Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Serzone

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Serzone. However, not everyone who takes the antidepressant will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
(Click Serzone Side Effects to learn more, including some of the more serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Serzone Drug Interactions

Serzone can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Serzone Drug Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Serzone if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Serzone Warnings and Precautions for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Are There Alternatives?

Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
 
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression (see Natural Remedies for Depression).
 
For most people, Serzone is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
 
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
     
(Click Serzone Alternatives to learn more and click Dealing With Depression to learn other ways of managing depression.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Serzone may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Seizures
  • Loss of life (especially if Serzone is taken with alcohol or other medications).
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Serzone Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Serzone Be Stored?

Serzone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Serzone as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Although brand-name Serzone tablets are no longer available, generic tablets are available in five strengths:
 
  • Nefazodone 50 mg
  • Nefazodone 100 mg
  • Nefazodone 150 mg
  • Nefazodone 200 mg
  • Nefazodone 250 mg.
     

Generic Serzone

Currently, only generic Serzone is available for sale (see Generic Serzone for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;