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Are there any drug interactions with Serzone?

Nefazodone (brand name Serzone is no longer sold in the U.S.) is one of the newer antidepressant drugs. It works by boosting brain levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, chemicals that affect feelings and mood.

Nefazodone should not be taken in combination with antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); examples of MAOIs include phenelzine (brand name Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Combining nefazodone with an MAOI can cause serious side effects including confusion, muscle spasms, sweating, shivering, and unconsciousness.

Nefazodone also interacts with cisapride (Propulsid), a drug that treats heartburn. The combination can lead to serious irregular heartbeats.

Antianxiety drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), triazolam (Halcion), and buspirone (BuSpar) can also interact with Nefazodone, causing excess drowsiness.

Other drug interactions may also occur with Nefazodone . So if you're taking any other medication, you should inform your doctor and pharmacist before you start taking Nefazodone.

Sources:
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Hansten, P.D., J.R. Horn. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Applied Therapeutics, 2001.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006

This answer prepared 2/8/2001.
This information updated 2/7/2007.