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Serzone is an antidepressant medication that has been associated with
liver damage. As a result, the medication has been discontinued in
Canada where patients take alternatives to Serzone. However, Serzone is still available in the United States.
Serzone or nefazodone sold in the United States has the same chemical
formula as the medication which has been banned. Prescribing information
for Serzone describes the medication as "a synthetically derived
phenylpiperazine antidepressant," distinguishing it from other
antidepressant medications. Chemically, Serzone is unrelated to Serzone alternatives -- other
antidepressants -- including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,
tricyclics, tetracyclics, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI).
Serzone tablets have 6-sides and are imprinted with a tablet
identification code on one side and BMS/tablet strength on the other
side. Tablets come in doses of 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, and 250mg. The
100 mg and 150 mg tablets are scored on both sides. Because Serzone has
fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants, Serzone was
marketed as an alternative for patients who take Prozac, Paxil, or
Zoloft, although it is not chemically similar to these medications.
Although most commonly prescribed to treat depression, Serzone has also
been used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)1, problems
associated with alcohol dependence2, post traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD)3, and other mental illnesses.
What products contain Serzone?
Serzone is also known by the generic name nefazodone. All of the
nefazodone presribed in the United States is sold under the trade name
Serzone. No other medication contains the same chemical ingredients as
Serzone.
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