Nefazodon: Drug Information

Brand Name: Dutonin

Drug Class: Antidepressant

Uses of Nefazodon:

Nefazodon is an antidepressant that is used in the treatment of major depression. It helps alleviate the symptoms of sadness, inability to concentrate, reduced appetite, fatigue, restlessness and hopelessness.

Dosage:

Nefazodon is available in the form of tablets and can be taken orally. It is recommended that you stick to the dose prescribed by your doctor and take it at regular intervals everyday. Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without the consent of your doctor in order to avoid worsening your present condition.

Warning and Precautions:

Nefazodon should not be taken if you are allergic to it. It is not recommended to be given during pregnancy and lactation. Patients suffering from any liver disease should not take this medication as liver failure has been reported with the use of this drug. Avoid alcohol when taking Nefazodon as it may enhance its sedative effect. Suicidal tendencies tend to become more intense when taking antidepressants. Thus, it is essential for you to notify your doctor in case you experience severe behavior changes, mood swings, anxiety, restlessness or suicidal thoughts. Caution is advised when prescribing this medicine to patients diagnosed with or having a history of liver disease, bipolar disorder, cardiovascular disease or epilepsy.

Side effects of Nefazodon:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include dry mouth, Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, somnolence, asthenia, neck rigidity, nausea, postural hypotension, paresthesia, ataxia, urinary tract infection constipation, lightheadedness, blurred vision, mental confusion, liver dysfunction, nightmares, increased sensitivity to sunlight and decrease in appetite.

Drug interactions of Nefazodon:

If taken with certain medications Nefazodon can result in hazardous effects. Mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should not be taken with Nefazodon. You must notify your doctor if you are on any other medication for high blood pressure, seizures, anticoagulants, estrogen, fluoxetine, levodopa or medications for allergies, sleeping pills, thyroid, sedatives, oral contraceptives, asthma, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. Vitamins, minerals, supplements and other over the counter (OTC) medications can also interact with Nefazodon.

Withdrawal symptoms:

Nefazodon should not be withdrawn abruptly as it caused a number of undesirable withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, insomnia, chills and sleep pattern disturbances.

Overdose:

Overdose of Nefazodon can result in nausea, vomiting and somnolence. In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.