In a Canadian study which found 32 cases in 2002, it was noted that databases like that used in the study tended to include only a small proportion of suspected drug reactions.Protocols are that nefazodone should not be used in patients who have a pre-existing liver condition. Prior to treatment liver enzymes should be tested to make sure there is not an underlying liver condition. If serum AST or serum ALT levels are more than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) should be permanently withdrawn from the drug. Regular enzyme labs should be done every 6 months. Due to liver issues Nefazodone should not be a first line treatment. Common and mild side effects of nefazodone reported in clinical trials more often than placebo include dry mouth (25%), sleepiness (25%), nausea (22%), dizziness (17%), blurred vision (16%), weakness (11%), lightheadedness (10%), confusion (7%), and orthostatic hypotension (5%). Rare and serious adverse reactions may include allergic reactions, fainting, painful/prolonged erection, and jaundice.Nefazodone is not especially associated with increased appetite and weight gain. Interactions
Nefazodone is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, and may interact adversely with many commonly used medications that are metabolized by CYP3A4. Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Nefazodone acts primarily as a potent antagonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and to a lesser extent of the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor. It also has high affinity for the α1-adrenergic receptor and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and relatively lower affinity for the α2-adrenergic receptor and dopamine D2 receptor.
By that time it was also being marketed under the additional brand names Serzonil, Nefadar, and Rulivan.In April 2004, BMS announced that it was going to discontinue the sale of Serzone in the US in June 2004 and said that this was due to declining sales. By that time BMS had already withdrawn the drug from the market in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.As of 2012 generic nefazodone was available in the US.In August 2020, Teva Pharmaceuticals placed nefazodone in shortage due to a shortage of a raw ingredient. On December 20, 2021, Nefazodone was again made available in all strengths. Society and culture
Generic names
Nefazodone is the generic name of the drug and its INN and BAN, while néfazodone is its DCF and nefazodone hydrochloride is its USAN and USP. Brand names
Nefazodone has been marketed under a number of brand names including Dutonin (AT, ES, IE, UK), Menfazona (ES), Nefadar (CH, DE, NO, SE), Nefazodone BMS (AT), Nefazodone Hydrochloride Teva (US), Reseril (IT), Rulivan (ES), and Serzone (AU, CA, US). Research
The use of nefazodone to prevent migraine has been studied, due to its antagonistic effects on the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. References
External links
 Media related to Nefazodone at Wikimedia Commons