Nefazodone is a medication used to manage depression. According to MedlinePlus, nefazodone belongs to a group of drugs called antidepressants. It works to balance the neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain to decrease your depressive symptoms. According to the National Library of Medicine, the initial dose for nefazadone is 200mg per day.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, nefazadone's common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, photosensitivity (skin sensitivity to sunlight) and constipation. It may also cause weakness, tiredness, frequent urination, blurry vision and diaphoresis (sweating). In some instances, nefazodone may cause changes in libido (sex drive), weakness and nightmares. Call your doctor if these side effects do not subside within four days.
Serious Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, nefazadone can increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts and carrying out suicidal behavior. It may also lead to hepatic (liver) failure. Signs of liver failure include left-sided stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and elevated liver enzymes. MedlinePlus says that nefazadone can cause such debilitating side effects as jaw, neck or muscle pain, trouble walking, tremors, convulsions, an uneven heartbeat and priapism (a prolonged erection that typically lasts for more than four hours). You must tell your doctor when you develop these side effects.
Rare Side Effects
Drugs.com says that nefazadone's rare side effects include rectal bleeding, melena (black stools), diplopia (double vision), fainting, otalgia (ear pain), fever, chills, sore throat and hallucinations. Nefazadone's other rare side effects include mydriasis (pupil dilation), red eyes, swollen glands, fatigue and hemoptysis. Discontinue nefazadone when you experience these symptoms.
Other Concerns
Avoid nefazodone if you are allergic to it. You may develop hives, edema (swelling) of your face, lips or throat, and difficulty breathing. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Drugs.com says that nefazadone may pass into breast milk. Avoid nefazadone if you are nursing. Your doctor will provide you with a safer medication.
It is unclear if nefazadone can affect your fetus during pregnancy, but tell your doctor if you are pregnant so he can assess the benefits and risks of continuing nefazadone.
Avoid mixing nefazadone with such medications as cisapride, linezolid, pimozide, terfenadine or ergonovine. These drugs may interact with nefazodone and cause the aforementioned side effects.
Drugs.com says that you should avoid nefazadone if you have convulsions, dehydration, heart disease, stroke or liver disease. Nefazodone may cause these symptoms to worsen.
Member Comments