Nefazodone : Before Using

Nefazodone - Systemic

Brand Names

Serzone Nefazodone *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For nefazodone, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to nefazodone or trazodone - Desyrel. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Studies have not been done in pregnant women. However, studies in pets have shown that nefazodone causes a decrease in the number of successful pregnancies, as well as a decrease in the weight of offspring, when given in doses few times higher than the human dose. Before taking this drug, make sure your family doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding problem

It is not known whether nefazodone passes into human breast milk. Mothers who are using this drug and who wish to breast-feed must discuss this with their family doctor.

Use for Children

Studies on nefazodone have been done only in adult diseaseds and there is no special info comparing use of this drug in child up to 18 years of age with use in other age groups.

Nefazodone must be using with caution in child with depression. Studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this drug. More study is needed to be sure nefazodone is safe and effective in child.

Elderly care

The relationship of age to the effects of nefazodone has not been systematically studied in elderly people. However, blood levels of nefazodone have been found to be higher in older diseaseds. An older adult may require a lower dose of nefazodone than a younger adult.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking nefazodone, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Alprazolam - Xanax
Triazolam - Halcion Use with nefazodone may result in increased blood levels of these medication and, therefore, increased effects. Your family doctor may want to reduce the dose of these medication if they are using at the same time as nefazodone. An older adult must not receive both triazolam and nefazodone

Astemizole - Hismanal
Cisapride - Propulsid
Pimozide - ORAP
Terfenadine - Seldane Do not use these medication with nefazodone or you may develop a very serious change in heart rhythm

Carbamazepine - Tegretol Do not take carbamazepine with nefazodone. This drug may interfere with nefazodone and cause it to not work to help with your depression.

Monoamine oxidase - MAO inhibitor activity - isocarboxazid " Marplan ", phenelzine " Nardil ", procarbazine " Matulane ", selegiline " Eldepryl ", tranylcypromine " Parnate " Do not take nefazodone while you are taking an MAO inhibitor or you may develop confusion, agitation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal problems, sudden high body temperature, extremely high blood pressure andsevere convulsions; at least 14 days must pass between stopping treat with an MAO inhibitor and starting treat with nefazodone and at least 7 days must pass between stopping treat with nefazodone and starting treat with an MAO inhibit

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of nefazodone. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Convulsions - seizures - history of The risk of seizures may be increased

Dehydration
Hypovolemia - low blood volume May increase the risk that low blood pressure - hypotension will occur

Heart disease
Stroke - or history of Nefazodone may make these conditions worse by causing low blood pressure - hypotension

Liver function problems If your liver does not function well, due to liver problems or liver disease and you take nefazodone, the amount of nefazodone in your blood may be too high. This may cause serious disease or damage in your liver.

Liver function problems when taking this drug before and you had to stop taking it You may have a greater risk of having liver problems if you take nefazodone again Tell your family doctor immediately if you have taken this drug before.

Mania - a type of mental illness - history of Nefazodone may cause this problem to recur