nefazodone (cont.)
NURSING MOTHERS: Nefazodone may be secreted in
breast milk and may cause
adverse effects in the nursing infant.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with nefazodone
are nausea, dizziness, insomnia, agitation, tiredness, dry mouth, constipation,
lightheadedness, blurred vision, and confusion. Rarely, nefazodone is associated
with priapism or prolonged penile erection. Although the erection usually
subsides eventually, occasionally blood clots form within the penis and cause
serious damage to the penis. Nefazodone rarely may cause liver failure that may
result in liver transplantation.
If antidepressants are discontinued abruptly, symptoms may occur such as
dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell,
taste, etc. (Such symptoms even may occur when even a few doses of
antidepressant are missed.) Therefore, it is recommended that the dose of
antidepressant be reduced gradually when therapy is discontinued.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in
short-term studies in children and
adolescents with depression and other
psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of nefazodone or any other
antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk of suicide with
the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely
observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in
behavior.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 10/13/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Read about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks), causes (war, traumatic events), effects (depression, suicide) and treatment (medication, therapy).
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