Key takeaways
Nefazodone (generic, formerly sold as Serzone) and Trazodone (generic, formerly sold as Desyrel) are both atypical antidepressants used to treat depression, but they have some key differences. Nefazodone works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, while Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Nefazodone is not a first-choice option due to its risk of serious liver damage, whereas Trazodone is sometimes used off-label for insomnia. Nefazodone is typically taken twice a day, while Trazodone can be taken once or multiple times a day depending on the condition being treated. Both medications can cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness, but trazodone can also cause weight changes. Trazodone, on the other hand, has fewer sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics since their brand names have been discontinued.
