Nefazodone hydrochloride

What is Nefazodone hydrochloride?

Nefazodone is used to treat depression, a low mood that persists nearly every day for at least two weeks and interferes with everyday living.

What is the most important information I should know about Nefazodone hydrochloride?

Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults when the medicine is first started. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden ones, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is first started or when the dose is changed.

Call the doctor right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Signs to watch for include new or worsening depression, new or worsening anxiety, agitation, insomnia, hostility, panic attacks, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior.

Keep all follow-up visits as scheduled, and call the doctor between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.

Although rare, there have been severe cases of liver damage in patients taking nefazodone. Call your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or white eyes, unusually dark urine, loss of appetite that lasts for several days, nausea or lower stomach pain while taking nefazodone. People with liver problems should not take nefazodone.

It may take several weeks before you see an improvement of your symptoms while taking nefazodone.

Who should not take Nefazodone hydrochloride?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to nefazodone or Desyrel.

You should also avoid taking this medication if you have any liver problems.

Do not take nefazodone within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Nardil or Parnate.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Nefazodone hydrochloride?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin supplements, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with nefazodone. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of liver disease, heart problems, extreme agitation or excitability episodes, suicide attempts, convulsions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual recommended starting dose for nefazodone hydrochloride tablets is 200 milligrams (mg) per day, taken twice daily. Your doctor may increase your dose in increments of 100 mg to 200 mg daily up to a maximum daily dose of 600 mg.

In elderly or weak patients, the usual dose is 100 mg per day, taken twice daily.

How should I take Nefazodone hydrochloride?

Take nefazodone at the same time every day as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking Nefazodone hydrochloride?

Never stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor first.

Driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness should be avoided until you know how this drug affects you.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Nefazodone hydrochloride?

If nefazodone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining this medication with any the following: alprazolam, astemizole, carbamazepine, cisapride, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide, terfenadine, and triazolam.

What are the possible side effects of Nefazodone hydrochloride?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: sleepiness, vision problems, weakness, lightheadedness, confusion, nausea, constipation, dry mouth

Serious side effects may include: yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes (jaundice), unusually dark urine, loss of appetite for several days, severe nausea, rash or hives, convulsions, fainting, long-lasting erection. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms.

Can I receive Nefazodone hydrochloride if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of nefazodone during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, or become pregnant while taking nefazodone.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Nefazodone hydrochloride?

If you miss a dose, skip it and return to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.

How should I store Nefazodone hydrochloride?

Store at room temperature and protect from light.