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Nefazodone (By mouth)

Nefazodone (ne-FAZ-oh-done)

Treats depression.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel better. Keep using the medicine as your doctor ordered.
  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

  • 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.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • 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®.
  • 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.
  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, loose skin, red or itching skin rash.
  • Blurred vision or abnormal vision.
  • Fever, sweating, confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Muscle stiffness, tremors or shaking, sweating, coordination problems.
  • Prolonged, painful erection of the penis.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Agitation, memory problems, trouble concentrating.
  • Constipation, nausea, or stomach pains.
  • Dry mouth or cough.
  • Enlarged breasts (in men).
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Ringing in your ears.
  • Sexual problems (in men or women).
  • Trouble sleeping or trouble staying awake.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 4/23/2024

 
 
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