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 on what Serzone is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Serzone was originally manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. However, Bristol-Myers Squibb voluntarily stopped making Serzone, due to concerns of liver toxicity
(see Serzone and Liver Failure).
Generic Serzone is still available and is made by a few manufacturers.
It is not entirely clear how Serzone works.
There are no other medications that work exactly like Serzone. Serzone acts on specific chemicals within the brain known as serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are chemicals used to send messages between nerves; when serotonin and norepinephrine 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.
Serzone has been studied in many clinical trials for the treatment of
depression. In theses studies, people taking Serzone had more improvement in their depression symptoms than those not taking the medication. 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 Serzone
Some general considerations for when and how to take Serzone include:
- Serzone comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day.
- It does not matter if you take Serzone with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Serzone should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Serzone will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Serzone that 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 currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your Serzone dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Serzone. However, not everyone who takes the
antidepressant will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When Serzone 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 of Serzone include:
(Click Serzone Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Serzone, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about possible Serzone side effects by going to:
Serzone Drug Interactions
Serzone can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
Serzone: 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.
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,
Serzone side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Serzone. Some example 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).
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 overdose on Serzone, seek medical attention immediately.
Serzone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Serzone and all medications out of the reach of children.
Serzone: 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 of Serzone.
Although brand-name Serzone tablets are no longer available, generic Serzone is available in five strengths:
- Nefazodone 50 mg tablets
- Nefazodone 100 mg tablets
- Nefazodone 150 mg tablets
- Nefazodone 200 mg tablets
- Nefazodone 250 mg tablets.
Currently, only generic Serzone is available for sale.
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