Case Evaluation

Serzone: Serzone Overview

Serzone - Overview

Serzone is the name brand of a tablet form of nefazodone, a prescription medication used to reduce the psychological and physical symptoms of depression, anxiety, and related disorders. Available in dosages of 50 mg, 100 mg, 150mg, 200mg, and 250mg, Serzone is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

In 2001, worldwide sales of Serzone were $409 million. On May 19th, 2004 Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that due to declining sales, Serzone will no longer be sold in the U.S. after June 14th, 2004. Note that this action does not affect sales of generic versions of Serzone (nefazodone).

What is Serzone?

Serzone is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. It is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.

Serzone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Serzone?

Do not take Serzone if you are taking any of the following drugs:

  • a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
  • terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D);
  • astemizole (Hismanal);
  • cisapride (Propulsid);
  • pimozide (Orap);
  • triazolam (Halcion); or
  • carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Epitol, Carbatrol).

These drugs can cause very serious interactions with Serzone that could lead to seizures, heart damage, and even death.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

  • heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats;
  • seizures;
  • had manic episodes (extreme agitation or excitability);
  • kidney disease; or
  • liver disease.

You may not be able to take Serzone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Serzone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Serzone will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Serzone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Serzone passes into breast milk. Do not take Serzone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Serzone.

How should I take Serzone?

Take Serzone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Do not stop taking Serzone without first talking to your doctor. It may be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time.

Store Serzone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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