From the Guidelines
Serzone (nefazodone) is no longer widely used for depression in the United States due to its association with an increased risk for hepatotoxicity, as indicated by weak evidence in studies such as 1 and 1. The brand name Serzone was discontinued in 2004, though generic nefazodone remains available with significant restrictions. Today, healthcare providers rarely prescribe nefazodone because of these safety concerns and the availability of newer antidepressants with better safety profiles. Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of Serzone for depression include:
- The risk of hepatotoxicity, which requires regular liver function monitoring, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1
- The availability of alternative antidepressants with better safety profiles, such as SSRIs (like sertraline or escitalopram) and SNRIs (like venlafaxine or duloxetine)
- The importance of close medical supervision for patients currently taking nefazodone, with regular liver function tests, as recommended in guidelines such as those outlined in 1 and 1 Patients previously taking Serzone have typically been transitioned to other antidepressants, and nefazodone is no longer a first-line treatment option for depression due to its safety concerns. In terms of treatment guidelines, the American College of Physicians recommends selecting second-generation antidepressants based on adverse effect profiles, cost, and patient preferences, as outlined in 1 and 1. Overall, while Serzone may still be available in some cases, its use is heavily restricted due to safety concerns, and alternative treatments are generally preferred.
From the FDA Drug Label
Nefazodone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of depression. The efficacy of nefazodone in the treatment of depression was established in 6 to 8 week controlled trials of outpatients and in a 6 week controlled trial of depressed inpatients whose diagnoses corresponded most closely to the DSM-III or DSM-IIIR category of major depressive disorder
The answer is yes, Serzone (nefazodone) is still used for depression, as indicated by the FDA drug label 2. Key points:
- Nefazodone is indicated for the treatment of depression
- The efficacy of nefazodone was established in controlled trials of outpatients and inpatients with major depressive disorder
- Nefazodone has been shown to be effective in reducing relapse in patients with major depression 2
From the Research
Serzone Usage for Depression
- Serzone, also known as nefazodone, is an antidepressant that was used to treat depression 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The medication works by blocking serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) receptors and inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine 3, 5, 7.
- Studies have shown that nefazodone is effective in treating depression, with a favorable side effect profile compared to other antidepressants 3, 6, 7.
- Common side effects of nefazodone include sedation, dry mouth, nausea, and dizziness 6, 7.
- Nefazodone may have fewer sexual adverse effects than other antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 7.
Current Usage
- Although nefazodone was shown to be effective in treating depression, its usage has declined in recent years due to the availability of other antidepressants with similar efficacy and safety profiles 3, 4, 7.
- The medication is no longer widely prescribed, and its production has been discontinued in some countries 7.
- However, nefazodone may still be used in certain cases, such as in patients who have not responded to other treatments or who have specific side effect profiles that make it a more suitable option 6, 7.