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Nefazodone Coupon - Nefazodone 100mg tablet

nefazodone

Generic Serzone
Used for Depression
Used for Depression

Nefazodone is used to treat depression, but it’s usually not a first-choice option because it can cause serious liver damage. Some side effects include headache, dry mouth, nausea, and drowsiness. But, it's not likely to cause weight gain or weight loss. Withdrawal symptoms aren't typically with this medication, but it still can't be ruled out. Nefazodone is only available as a generic medication since the brand name Serzone has been discontinued.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Shifali Patel, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 16, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Nefazodone?

What is Nefazodone used for?

  • Depression

How Nefazodone works

Nefazodone is an atypical antidepressant that raises levels of natural chemicals in your brain called serotonin and norepinephrine. This is thought to improve mood.

Are you looking for information on trazodone (Desyrel) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSerzone (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassAtypical antidepressant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Nefazodone?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (36%)
  • Sleepiness (25%)
  • Dry mouth (25%)
  • Nausea (22%)
  • Dizziness (17%)
  • Constipation (14%)
  • Trouble sleeping (11%)
  • Weakness (11%)
  • Lightheadedness (10%)
  • Blurred vision (9%)
  • Indigestion (9%)

Other Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Infection
  • Confusion
  • Vision changes
  • Sore throat
  • Larger appetite
  • Memory problems
  • Low blood pressure upon standing
  • Feeling flushed or warm
  • Burning, tingling, or numbing feeling in arms or legs

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: itchy red rash (hives), shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes
  • Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain or swelling, loss of appetite, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, tiredness or weakness, confusion
  • Seizures: uncontrolled jerking movements of arms or legs, stiff body, staring, trouble breathing, confusion, unconsciousness
  • Suicidal thinking and behavior

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision or other changes in vision

clumsiness or unsteadiness

lightheadedness or fainting

ringing in the ears

skin rash or itching

Less common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy

cough or hoarseness

diarrhea

excessive muscle tone

eye pain

feeling dizzy

frequent urge to urinate

itching of the vagina or genital area

muscle stiffness

muscle tension or tightness

nausea

pain during sexual intercourse

painful, burning, or difficult urination

shortness of breath, tightness in chest, or wheezing

stomach pain

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

troubled breathing

Rare

Asthma

bleeding from the rectum

bloody or black, tarry stools

change in sexual desire or performance

chest pain

double vision

dryness of eye

ear pain

fainting

fast heartbeat

fever, chills, or sore throat

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

hives

increased sense of hearing

increased sensitivity to sun

irritation or soreness of mouth

joint or muscle pain or stiffness

kidney stones

large pupils of eyes

lower back, side, or stomach pain

menstrual changes

mood or mental changes

nerve pain or twitching

pelvic pain

problems in speaking

problems with urination

prolonged, painful, inappropriate penile erection

red or irritated eyes

sensitivity of eyes to light

swelling of face

swollen glands

talking, feeling, and acting with excitement and activity you cannot control

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual feeling of well-being

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin

light-colored stools

confusion

dark urine

decreased urine output

fever

increased thirst

itching

lack of appetite

large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

muscle pain or cramps

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

muscle stiffness

pain, warmth, or burning in fingers, toes, and legs

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

sore throat

sudden loss of consciousness

sweating

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abnormal dreams

agitation

confusion

constipation

diarrhea

dizziness

drowsiness

dryness of mouth

flushing or feeling of warmth

headache

heartburn

increased appetite

increased cough

memory problems

nausea

swelling of arms or legs

tingling, burning, or prickly sensations

tremor

trouble in sleeping

vomiting

Less common or rare

Breast pain

generalized slowing of mental and physical activity

increased thirst

loss of strength or energy

muscle weakness

Incidence not known

Unexpected or excess milk flow from breasts

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in males

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Nefazodone

thumbs-up

Pros

Comes in different strengths, so your provider can adjust your dose if needed

Okay to use in people with kidney problems

Not associated with weight changes (weight gain or weight loss)

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Risk of life-threatening liver failure

Have to take it twice daily

Can take many weeks for the full effects to kick in

Interacts with many medications, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and alprazolam (Xanax)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Nefazodone

pharmacist

  • You can take nefazodone with or without food, but taking it with food might lower how much of the medication is absorbed into your body. This can affect how well it works.

    • Nefazodone can worsen your depression and raise your risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. If you or any of your loved ones notice any changes in your behavior, such as nervousness, trouble sleeping, anger or violence, restlessness, dark thoughts, or thoughts of hurting yourself, talk to your healthcare provider right away.

      • Nefazodone can cause vision changes. If you develop blurred vision, any blind spots in your vision, eye pain, or swelling or redness around your eye, let your healthcare provider know right away.

        • If you develop a painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, get medical attention right away. Taking nefazodone might also lead to inappropriate erections. If this happens, stop taking the medication and contact your provider.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Nefazodone

          How long does it take nefazodone to work?
          It might take several weeks before you start to feel the full effects of nefazodone. If it's been several weeks and you feel like your depression isn't getting better, discuss other options with your healthcare provider. They might be able to change your dose or recommend a different treatment altogether.
          Can I take nefazodone if I have liver problems?
          No. There's a serious, life-threatening risk of liver failure with nefazodone. So it's not recommended to take nefazodone if you have active liver problems. If you notice any signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain or swelling, loss of appetite, dark urine, or tiredness or weakness, contact your healthcare provider right away.
          Can I take nefazodone with other antidepressants?
          Many antidepressants (including nefazodone) affect serotonin levels, and taking them together could raise your risk for a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. For example, you shouldn't take nefazodone with a group of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Combining these antidepressants can lead to serious side effects, such as a high body temperature, muscle stiffness and jerking, and confusion. After stopping a MAOI, you should wait at least 14 days before starting nefazodone. After stopping nefazodone, you should wait at least 7 days before starting a MAOI.
          Can I drink alcohol while taking nefazodone?
          No. Don’t drink alcohol if you’re taking nefazodone because it can worsen side effects like sleepiness and dizziness. Alcohol can also worsen depression symptoms. Overdose, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness, has also occurred in people who’ve combined nefazodone and alcohol.
          Is nefazodone safe in pregnancy?
          There haven’t been enough studies looking at nefazodone in pregnant women, so it’s not known if nefazodone is safe to use during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your provider. Only take nefazodone during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks for yourself and your unborn baby.
          What is a good substitute for nefazodone?
          There are many available treatment options for depression. First-choice options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). If those don't work well, other options include atypical antidepressants (including nefazodone), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When choosing the best option for you, it's important to consider side effects, dosage forms, and how often you'll need to take the medication. Your provider can help guide you to the best treatment option for your depression.
          How do you taper off nefazodone?
          In clinical studies, withdrawal symptoms weren't seen in people taking nefazodone. But, there have since been some reports of people experiencing flu-like symptoms and trouble sleeping for days after stopping the medication suddenly. Since nefazodone is similar to other antidepressants that are known to cause withdrawal symptoms, some experts recommend slowly tapering (lowering) the dose down before stopping the medication completely. If you need to stop nefazodone for some reason, ask your provider if you should slowly taper down to avoid potential withdrawal symptoms.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Nefazodone?

          Nefazodone can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Worsening depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior

          • Risk factors: Depression | History of other mental health conditions | Taking antidepressants | Family history of suicide | Age 24 years old or younger

            Antidepressants, such as nefazodone, can raise the risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior. The risk is greatest during the first few months of starting antidepressants and after dose changes. The risk is higher in younger people under the age of 24, but people of all ages taking nefazodone are still at risk.
            Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or your loved ones notice any unusual changes in your mood or behavior, such as anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, anger, aggression, or restlessness, if you feel like your depression is getting worse, or if you're having thoughts of hurting yourself. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24 hours a day by dialing 988.

            risk-warning

            Liver problems

            • Risk factors: History of liver problems

              Nefazodone can cause liver failure that can sometimes require a liver transplant or even lead to death. If you have active liver problems, you shouldn't start nefazodone. Your healthcare provider might order blood tests to make sure your liver is healthy before you start taking nefazodone. If you notice any signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain or swelling, loss of appetite, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, tiredness or weakness (malaise), or confusion, call your healthcare provider right away. If you develop any signs of liver damage while taking nefazodone, your provider will likely have you stop taking nefazodone.

              risk-warning

              Bipolar disorder

              • Risk factors: Depression | Taking antidepressants | History of mania | Family history of bipolar disorder

                Sometimes depression can be the first sign of bipolar disorder, which is a mental health condition that causes mood changes ranging from feeling low (depressed) to feeling high (mania). Nefazodone shouldn't be used alone to treat bipolar depression because it can raise the risk of mania. If you're feeling depressed, your healthcare provider might ask you some questions to find out if you're at risk for bipolar disorder.

                risk-warning

                Eye problems

                Some antidepressants, like nefazodone, can cause your pupils to widen, which can lead to a condition called angle-closure glaucoma. This is a condition that blocks fluid from draining in your eye, resulting in high pressure in the eye that might require surgery. Let your healthcare provider know if this concerns you.

                risk-warning

                Drop in blood pressure upon standing

                • Risk factors: Taking medications for high blood pressure | History of heart attack | History of stroke | Low fluids in the body | History of chest pain

                  Nefazodone can make your blood pressure drop if you stand up suddenly after sitting or lying down. This can cause dizziness and falls. This condition is known as orthostatic hypotension, and your risk is higher if you're already taking medications for high blood pressure. Get up slowly if you've been sitting or lying down for a while, and sit back down if you feel dizzy.

                  risk-warning

                  Seizures

                  • Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking other medications that can cause seizures

                    Take nefazodone with caution if you have a history of seizures. If you or your loved ones notice any signs of a seizure, such as uncontrolled jerking movements of arms or legs, stiff body, staring, trouble breathing, confusion, or unconsciousness, call for emergency help right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Heart conditions

                    • Risk factors: Heart disease | History of heart attack | Taking medications that can lower your heart rate

                      If you have a history of heart attack, heart disease, or low heart rate, take nefazodone with caution. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting nefazodone because you might need to be monitored more closely.

                      dosage

                      Nefazodone dosage forms

                      The average cost for 60 tablets of 100mg of Nefazodone is $44.13 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 75.92% off the average retail price of $183.24.
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      50mg30 tablets$23.18$0.77
                      100mg60 tablets$44.13$0.74
                      150mg60 tablets$44.79$0.75
                      200mg60 tablets$54.42$0.91
                      250mg60 tablets$46.14$0.77

                      Typical dosing for Nefazodone

                      • Adults: The typical starting dose is 200 mg by mouth a day, split into two doses throughout the day.

                      • Older adults: The typically starting dose is 100 mg by mouth a day, split into two doses throughout the day.

                      Your healthcare provider might adjust your dose based on how you respond to the medication and if you have any side effects.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Nefazodone and other drugs

                      Nefazodone may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Nefazodone. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      How much does Nefazodone cost?

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                      contraindications-icon

                      Nefazodone contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Nefazodone will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Nefazodone?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Nefazodone. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Nefazodone
                      Used for:

                      • Depression

                      $23.18 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Vilazodone (Viibryd)
                      Used for:
                      $34.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Trazodone
                      Used for:
                      $4.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Nefazodone images

                      White Oblong 1024 And 93 - Nefazodone Hydrochloride 100mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "1024" And "93".White Oblong 1024 And 93 - Nefazodone Hydrochloride 100mg Tablet

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      American Psychiatric Association. (2010). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder.

                      Davis, R., et al. (1997). Nefazodone. A review of its pharmacology and clinical efficacy in the management of major depression. Drugs.

                      Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2022). Nefazodone. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                      View All References (5)

                      Gabriel, M., et al. (2017). Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Canadian Medical Association Journal.

                      Kotlyar, M., et al. (1999). Possible nefazodone withdrawal syndrome. The American Journal of Psychiatry.

                      Moret, C., et al. (2011). The importance of norepinephrine in depression. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.

                      Rajagopalan, M., et al. (1999). Discontinuation symptoms with nefazodone. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.

                      Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (2021). Nefazodone hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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