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NefazodoneWarningAntidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. It is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. Nefazodone has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or abnormal liver function tests. Your doctor should perform liver function tests periodically while you are taking this medication. If your doctor directs you to stop taking this medication because of liver problems or abnormal liver function tests, you should not take this drug again. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. PrecautionsSee also Warning section. Before taking nefazodone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to trazodone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, personal or family history of psychiatric disorder (such as bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal or family history of suicide attempts, heart/blood vessel disease (such as history of stroke/heart attack), dehydration, seizures, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol may also cause liver disease. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness/drowsiness or bleeding. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Side EffectsSee also Warning section. Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: confusion, weakness, fainting, seizures, easy bleeding/bruising. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision). Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. |