Serzone Antidepressant Patient Warning

Very few patients and doctors take the time to read FDA issued label changes warning of serious and deadly Serzone side effects that can occur. Despite a Black Box warning being the strongest FDA warning issued, many doctors even admit not knowing the last time they have seen a drug label. While the FDA has been criticized for not being proactive enough when issuing warnings of possible death and serious side effects, a patient should take responsibility for reading their patient packet inserts and drug labels.

While these informational pamphlets are often hard to read with the fine print and loaded drug information, by educating yourself about the dangers and risks, as well as possible complications to be aware of, you can help prevent death or serious injury from occurring.

 

Serzone Warning


Consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, has provided comprehensive information on Serzone antidepressant drug. The Serzone information includes how to administer the antidepressant and possible Serzone warnings to be aware of.

Nefazodone
SERZONE (Bristol-Myers Squibb)
Generic: not available

Nefazodone (ne faz ah done) is used to treat depression. It improves, but does not cure depression. Nefazodone inhibits the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Nefazodone belongs to the same family as trazodone. This table compares the most common adverse effects of the antidepressant drugs.

The adverse effects of nefazodone may increase with higher doses. Dangerous, life threatening, drug interactions can occur with certain antihistamines and stomach medications.

The length of time it takes an antidepressant to work can overlap with the time of spontaneous recovery, especially if the depression is situational - caused by a death or other external circumstances. Antidepressant drugs should be reserved for depression that is major and does not respond to psychotherapy alone.

Serzone Warning: Before You Use This Drug
Tell your doctor if you have or have had:

  • allergies
  • drug abuse
  • heart or liver problems
  • manic depression or bipolar disorder
  • are nursing

Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take, including aspirin, herbs, vitamins, and other nonprescription products.

Serzone Warning: When You Use This Drug

  • Do not drink alcohol or use other drugs that can cause drowsiness.
  • Until you know how you react to this drug, do not drive or perform other activities that require alertness.
  • You may feel dizzy when rising from a lying or sitting position. When getting out of bed, hang your legs over the side of the bed for a few minutes, and then get up slowly. When getting up from a chair, stay beside the chair until you are sure that you are not dizzy.
  • Have your doctor periodically reassess your need to continue taking this drug.
  • If you plan to have any surgery, including dental, tell your doctor that you take this drug.

Serzone Warning: How to Use This Drug

Do not store in the bathroom. Do not expose to heat, moisture, or strong light.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take double doses.

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Serzone Warning: Interactions with Other Drugs

The following drugs are listed in the Evaluations of Drug Interactions 2000 as causing highly clinically significant or clinically significant interactions when used together with this drug. We have also included potentially serious warnings listed in the drug's FDA-approved professional product labeling or package insert. New scientific techniques have allowed researchers to predict some drug interactions before they have been documented in people. There may be other drugs, especially those in the families of drugs listed below, that also will react with this drug to cause severe adverse effects. The number of new drugs approved for marketing increases the chance of drug interactions, and new drug interactions are being identified with old drugs. Be vigilant. Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist the drugs you are taking and tell your doctor if you are taking any of these interacting drugs:

  • Do not take nefazodone in combination with or within 14 days of using any of these monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: ELDEPRYL, furazolidone, FUROXONE, isocarboxazid, MARPLAN, MATULANE, NARDIL, PARNATE, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine.
  • Other drugs that can interact with nefazodone include: alprazolam; astemizole; carbamazepine; cilostazol; cisapride; EUTONYL; HALCION; HISMANAL; MANEREX; moclobemide; MERIDIA; NORVIR; ORAP; pargyline; pimozide; PLETAL; PROGRAF; PROPULSID; ritonavir; SELDANE; sibutramine; tacrolimus; TEGRETOL; terfenadine; triazolam; XANAX.
  • Avoid taking lovastatin (MEVACOR) and simvastatin (ZOCOR) with nefazodone.

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PREGNANCY WARNING This drug caused harm to developing fetuses in animal studies, or such studies were not done. Use during pregnancy only for clear medical reasons. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant before you take this drug.

Serzone Warning: Adverse Serzone Side Effects

Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • agitation
  • decreased blood pressure
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • more rapid heartbeat
  • hives, rash
  • persistent erection of the penis
  • sore throat
  • suicidal thoughts
  • tremors
  • vision changes
  • difficulty urinating
  • memory problems

    Call your doctor if these side effects continue:

    • constipation or diarrhea
    • drowsiness
    • dry mouth
    • headache
    • impotence
    • insomnia
    • nausea
    • ringing in ears
    • tiredness, weakness
    • increased appetite or weight gain
    • tingling sensation
    • taste changes
    • flushing or feeling of warmth

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Serzone Warning
The type of liver damage Serzone can cause ranges from asymptomatic reversible increases in serum transaminase to serious cases of liver failure. Liver damage that leads to instances of liver failure resulting in transplant and/or death has been associated to the use of Serzone antidepressant.
What is a Black Box Warning?
The FDA issues Black Box warnings when a drug is associated to a high risk of serious and deadly side effects. This type of warning is the strongest warning possible. Serzone's manufacturer, Bristol-Myers, was told in December 2001 that their antidepressant drug must include a Black Box to warn patients of the "life-threatening hepatic failure" that had been reported. The "black box" refers to the thick black outline that surrounds the warning.
 
 
 
Serzone Warning