Return to Common Drugs Index
nefazodone hydrochloride
Dutonin§, Serzone

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Tablets: 5
0 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg

Action
Unknown. Inhibits neuronal uptake of serotonin (5-HT2) and norepinephrine; it also occupies serotonin and alpha1-adrenergic receptors in the CNS.

Indications & dosage
Depression--

Adults:
initially, 200 mg/day P.O. in two divided doses. Dosage increased in increments of 100 to 200 mg/day at intervals of no less than 1 week, p.r.n. Usual dosage range is 300 to 600 mg/day.
Elderly:
initially, 100 mg/day P.O. in two divided doses.
Adjust-a-dose:
For debilitated patients, initially 100 mg/day P.O. in two divided doses.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
headache, somnolence, dizziness, asthenia, insomnia, light-headedness, confusion, memory impairment, paresthesia, vasodilation, abnormal dreams, decreased concentration, ataxia, incoordination, psychomotor retardation, tremor, hypertonia.
CV:
orthostatic hypotension, hypotension, peripheral edema.
EENT:
blurred vision, abnormal vision, tinnitus, visual field defect, pharyngitis.
GI:
dry mouth, nausea, constipation, taste perversion, dyspepsia, diarrhea, increased appetite, vomiting.
GU:
urinary frequency, urinary tract infection, urine retention, vaginitis.
Musculoskeletal:
neck rigidity, arthralgia.
Respiratory:
cough.
Skin:
pruritus, rash.
Other:
infection, flulike syndrome, chills, fever, breast pain, thirst.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Alprazolam, triazolam: administration with nefazodone potentiates effects of these drugs. Don't administer concurrently. However, if necessary, dosage of alprazolam and triazolam may need to be greatly reduced.
CNS drugs:
may alter CNS activity. Use together cautiously.
Digoxin:
may increase digoxin level. Use together cautiously and monitor digoxin levels.
MAO inhibitors:
may cause severe excitation, hyperpyrexia, seizures, delirium, or coma. Avoid concomitant use.
Other highly protein-bound drugs:
may increase incidence and severity of adverse reactions. Monitor patient closely.
Drug-lifestyle.
Alcohol use: enhanced CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or other phenylpiperazine antidepressants; also contraindicated within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

Return to Common Drugs Index