SERZONE
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING SERZONE.
NEFAZODONE - ORAL (neh-FAZZ-oh-doan)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Serzone
USES:
SERZONE is used in the treatment of depression.
HOW TO TAKE SERZONE:
Take SERZONE by mouth exactly as prescribed. During the first few
weeks your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your
body to adjust to the medication. Do not take this more often,
increase your dose or stop taking this without first consulting your
doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS:
The most common side effects are sleepiness, dry mouth, nausea,
dizziness (especially when standing), constipation, weakness,
blurred vision or changes in vision, or mental confusion. If any of
these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop an irregular heartbeat or skin
rash while taking SERZONE. Very unlikely but report immediately any
painful and prolonged erection, or seizures. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, heart
disease, a history of seizures or if you have any allergies. It is
recommended to limit consumption of alcohol while taking SERZONE.
Caution is advised when operating machinery or performing tasks
needing alertness, since SERZONE can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
SERZONE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if
SERZONE is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication
you may take including terfenadine, astemizole, alprazolam,
triazolam, MAOI drugs (e.g., phenelzine, isocarboxazid,
tranylcypromine, selegiline, furazolidone), cisapride, carbamazepine,
fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine,
sumatriptan, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, sibutramine, "statins"
(e.g., lovastatin), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine),
pimozide, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus. SERZONE should not be used
within 14 days after discontinuing an MAOI. An MAOI should not be
taken within 1 week of stopping nefazodone. Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
nausea, vomiting, sluggishness, and increased sweating.
NOTES:
It may take several weeks of continued therapy before the full
effects of SERZONE are evident. See your doctor regularly.
MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time
for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to
catch up.
STORAGE:
Store SERZONE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to
30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the
bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
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