What is Nefazodone?
Nefazodone is an antidepressant drug that helps treat depression and other depressions, including major depressive disorder.
Nefazodone does not have chemical properties comparable to those of other antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as "SSRIs", tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or "MAOIs."Nefazodone can also be used for different purposes that aren't mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Nefazodone
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic response, like hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face,
If you notice any new or more severe symptoms, tell your physician, for example, changes in your behavior or mood, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel uncontrollably angry, irritable, or aggressive. Involved, agitated (mentally as well as physically) depression, thinking about suicide or committing self-harm.
Nefazodone could cause serious adverse side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Issues with vision
- A seizure;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're passing out;
- Manic episodes: racing thoughts, more energy, less sleeping, taking risks, being talkative or agitated,
- Problems with the liver: loss of appetite nausea (upper right side) fatigue, itching, the dark color of urine, stools with clay, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common adverse effects of nefazodone could include:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
- Issues with vision;
- Nausea, constipation;
- The confusion, agitation,
- Dry mouth.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Many young people are contemplating suicide after using an antidepressant. Be attentive to any changes regarding your mental state or symptoms. Be sure to report any new or deteriorating symptoms to your doctor.
Inform your doctor about the other medications you take. Certain medications should not be used in conjunction with nefazodone.
Before you take this drug
Nefazodone is not a good choice if you have an allergy to either nefazodone or trazodone or were ever a victim of liver issues due to taking nefazodone.
Certain medications should not be taken with Nefazodone. The treatment plan you are using may be altered when you are also using:
- Carbamazepine;
- Cisapride;
- Pimozide;
- An MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, as well as methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
It is recommended to wait at least 14 days after the stoppage of the use of an MAO inhibitor before you are able to take Nefazodone. It is necessary to wait seven days after stopping nefazodone before being able to take an MAOI.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression);
- Epilepsy or a different type of seizure;
- Suicidal ideas or actions;
- Coronary heart disease or a recent coronary attack;
- The liver condition (especially cirrhosis)
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
A few young people may have thoughts of suicide while first starting an antidepressant. The physician is likely to be able check your health frequently. Your family members and other caregivers should be on the lookout for changes in your mood or other signs.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.It is not recommended to use this product by those who are less than 18 years old.
How to take Nefazodone?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Take the dosage exactly as directed.The medicine should be taken daily at the same time every day, whether with or without meals.
It is possible that you will require frequent blood tests to test the liver's function.The symptoms you experience may not get better for a few weeks.Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for a procedure.
Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Depression:
Initial dosage: 200 mg orally daily in two equal doses.
Dosage for maintenance: 300–600 mg daily orally
Comments:
Dose increases should be made at intervals from 100 mg each day up to 200 mg per day, following a twice-a-day schedule and with intervals of no less than a week.
It may take several weeks for the full effect to take effect.
Patients who were part of long-term studies were monitored for a maximum of 52 weeks. Those who receive prolonged treatment must be regularly evaluated for its effectiveness.
Use: Treatment of depression, including major depressive disorder
Usual Geriatric Dose for Depression:
Patients with debilitating or elderly conditions:
Initial dose: 100 mg taken orally per day, divided into two doses
Dose for maintenance: 300–600 mg daily
Comments:
Since these patients typically have decreased drug clearance or susceptibility to adverse effects, it could be beneficial to alter the rate of dose adjustment.
It may take several weeks to get the full effect.
Patients participating in long-term studies were observed over a period of up to 52 days. Those who receive prolonged treatment must be regularly evaluated for its effectiveness.
Use: Treatment of depression, including major depressive disorder
What happens If I miss a dose?
Don't miss the dose you missed; take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses in the same day.
What happens If I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Beware of drinking alcohol.
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects of nefazodone on your body. Your reaction could be affected.Be careful not to get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position, as you could get dizzy.
Interaction with other drugs
Utilizing nefazodone along with other drugs that cause you to become drowsy could increase the severity of this effect. Talk to your doctor prior to using an opioid drug, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures.
Inform your doctor about all other medicines you take, including:
- Buspirone;
- Digoxin;
- Fluoxetine, Prozac, and Symbyax;
- Propranolol;
- Cholesterol medication—atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin;
- Immunosuppressive medicine—cyclosporine, tacrolimus,
- A sedative like Valium—alprazolam, estazolam, midazolam, triazolam, Xanax, Versed, or Halcion.
This list isn't complete, and other medications may influence Nefazodone. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are listed here.
