| Serzone FAQs
What is Serzone?
What is the most important
information I should know about Serzone?
Any other side effects?
What should I do if I believe
I have depression?
Why would Serzone be
prescribed, instead of another antidepressant?
What type of testing can
determine whether or not I have sustained an injury?
Can I receive a
life-threatening injury as a result of the use of Serzone?
Has any legal action been
taken for the deadly and serious Serzone side effects?
What is Serzone?
Serzone was approved by the FDA for use in the United States for the treatment of depression in 1994. An anti-depressant in a class of its own in terms of its structure and composition, Serzone shares some characteristics with other serotonin uptake inhibitors like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. It is used to relieve feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; other symptoms of depression such as loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. The drug Serzone generates annual sales of $400 million for its manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. On May 19th, 2004, Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that due to declining sales, Serzone will no longer be sold in the U.S. after June
14th, 2004. This action does not affect sales of generic versions of Serzone
(nefazodone).
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What is the most important information I should know about
Serzone?
In rare cases, treatment with Serzone has been associated with serious liver problems, sometimes resulting in liver transplants or death. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience early signs of liver problems such as: yellowing of the skin or eyes; unusually dark urine; loss of appetite that lasts several days or longer; severe nausea; or stomach pain. Also, do not take Serzone if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Any other side effects?
The following are uncommon, but serious side effects. If you experience any of these, stop taking Serzone and seek emergency medical attention:
- An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
-
Fainting
- Prolonged, painful, or inappropriate erections (this could lead to a serious condition requiring surgery)
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Serzone and talk to your doctor when it is convenient if you experience:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness
-
Upset stomach
-
Insomnia
- Dry mouth
-
Constipation
-
Blurred or abnormal vision
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What should I do if I believe I have depression?
A major depressive episode usually interferes with daily functions for at least two weeks. Tell your doctor if you have had any of the following symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt or thoughts of suicide.
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Why would Serzone be prescribed, instead of another antidepressant?
It is more popular. Serzone is chemically different from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants. It inhibits the uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and blocks one type of serotonin receptor. It is thought that this blocking effect greatly decreases the insomnia, weight gain and lack of sexual interest common in patients taking other antidepressants.
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What type of testing can determine whether or not I have sustained an injury?
A liver function test can detect liver injury.
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Can I receive a life-threatening injury as a result of the use of
Serzone?
Cases of life-threatening liver failure have been reported in patients treated with Serzone. When liver failure occurs, a liver transplant may be indicated to prevent death.
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Has any legal action been taken for the deadly and serious Serzone side effects?
Individual claims, as well as a recent filing for a Serzone class action, have resulted in response to the adverse side effects antidepressant patients have experienced. For more information on your legal rights regarding Serzone antidepressant drug, please
contact
Younce & Vtipil.
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