What is Nefazodone Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Nefazodone Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Serzone

Generic Names:

  • Nefazodone Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats depression.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidepressant

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Nefazodone Hcl come in

  • Tablet

What are common Nefazodone Hcl doses?

  • Tablet 50MG

  • Tablet 100MG

  • Tablet 150MG

  • Tablet 200MG

  • Tablet 250MG

Common Nefazodone Hcl prescriptions

  • Nefazodone HCl
    100mg tablet

  • Nefazodone HCl
    150mg tablet

  • Nefazodone HCl
    200mg tablet

  • Nefazodone HCl
    250mg tablet

  • Nefazodone HCl
    50mg tablet

How to take Nefazodone Hcl

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel better. Keep using the medicine as your doctor ordered.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel better. Keep using the medicine as your doctor ordered.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Nefazodone Hcl

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Nefazodone Hcl contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have liver disease or if you have ever had liver damage or an allergic reaction caused by nefazodone. You may not be able to use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to other antidepressants in the past. You should not use this medicine if you are also using astemizole (Hismanal®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), cisapride (Propulsid®), pimozide (Orap®), terfenadine (Seldane®), or triazolam (Halcion®).

Nefazodone Hcl warnings

  • For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, seizures, or if you have had a recent stroke or heart attack.

  • In some cases, this medicine has caused liver damage or failure. Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or a history of liver problems. Call your doctor right away if you have yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark-colored urine, pale stools, severe nausea or stomach pains, or a loss of appetite.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Prolonged, painful erection of the penis.

  • Muscle stiffness, tremors or shaking, sweating, coordination problems.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Nefazodone Hcl interactions

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using alprazolam (Xanax®), buspirone (Buspar®), cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), haloperidol (Haldol®), or tacrolimus (Prograf®). Your doctor will also need to know if you are using medicine to lower your cholesterol such as Baycol®, Lescol®, Mevacor®, Pravachol®, or Zocor®.

Nefazodone Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Blurred vision or abnormal vision.

  • Blistering, peeling, loose skin, red or itching skin rash.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Prolonged, painful erection of the penis.

  • Muscle stiffness, tremors or shaking, sweating, coordination problems.

  • Lightheadedness or fainting.

  • Fever, sweating, confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Enlarged breasts (in men).

  • Sexual problems (in men or women).

  • Agitation, memory problems, trouble concentrating.

  • Constipation, nausea, or stomach pains.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Trouble sleeping or trouble staying awake.

  • Ringing in your ears.

  • Dry mouth or cough.