Posted by jb on March 13, 2001, at 15:24:45
In reply to serzone side effects, posted by teresa on March 13, 2001, at 1:18:15
Teresa, here is a blurb on Serzone which I found on the Internet. Hope this helps.
JohnB
Nefazodone (Serzone): Nefazodone combines moderate reuptake inhibition of 5-HT and NE with potent blockade of the 5-HT2 receptor to produce a calming antidepressant that is particularly useful for agitated depression, mixed anxiety and depression and fibromyalgia. It is as effective as TCAs and SSRIs and has demonstrated efficacy in treating severe, major depression.29 It is initiated at doses of 100 mg twice daily and titrated to an effective range of 300–600 mg/day. Due to its short half-life, it requires twice-daily dosing, although some clinicians may administer most, if not all, of the total daily dose at bedtime to utilize its sedating qualities.Somnolence, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, and constipation are the most common adverse events.17 Others include headache, weakness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, confusion, and abnormal vision consisting of “vapor trails” in the visual field. It produces no more sexual dysfunction than placebo and less dizziness than its chemical cousin, trazodone. Nefazodone is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P4503A4, capable of elevating serum levels of a number of medications (see TABLE 7). Of particular concern are the benzodiazepines, alprazolam and triazolam, which should have their doses reduced by 50% and 75%, respectively, if nefazodone is added to the regimen. Concurrent administration of astemizole and cisapride are considered relative contraindications, since high serum levels of these drugs can lead to cardiac problems and possible death. The concurrent administration of MAOIs is also contraindicated by the manufacturer, who advises a 7-day washout period for nefazodone before starting an MAOI, and a 14-day washout of the MAOI before starting nefazodone.
poster:jb
thread:56346
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010310/msgs/56403.html