Serzone

Serzone is a medication used to treat depression.

Like most antidepressants, the exact mechanism of action of Serzone is not completely understood. It is thought to promote the action of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.

Serzone is a prescription drug.

Serzone is known to cause severe liver failure in some patients. Serzone should not be given to patients with abnormal liver tests results, have liver problems or to those with a history of liver disease. Serzone is also known to interact with several commonly used medications. Like many antidepressants, patients taking Serzone face increased the risk of suicidal behavior. You must only use Serzone according to doctor’s advice. 

Here are things you must consider first before using Serzone:

Drug interactions

Serzone can cause serious side effects when used together with certain drugs. Mention all the medicines you are taking or have recently used before receiving Serzone.  You cannot use Serzone if you are taking the following medications or have taken them for the past 14 days:

• MAO inhibitor drugs such as Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Selegiline, and others
• Terfenadine
• Astemizole
• Cisapride
• Pimozide
• Triazolam
• Carbamazepine

Health conditions

Tell the doctor all of your health issues before taking Serzone. The doctor needs to know if you have the following medical problems:

• Heart disease or heart rate abnormalities
• Hypertension or too low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• If you had manic episodes (too agitated or excited)

Pregnancy

You must not take Serzone if you are pregnant. Serzone is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it may not be completely safe to the fetus when given to pregnant patients. If you are pregnant, tell it to your doctor.

Breastfeeding

Do not breastfeed when you are receiving Serzone.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol when you are receiving Serzone. Alcohol may increase the risk of drowsiness and dizziness.

Elderly patients

Serzone is more likely to cause side effects in elderly patients, so they require closer monitoring

The doctor will determine your dose of Serzone in the prescription, and make sure to follow it exactly. Serzone is available in tablets that you take by mouth.

Serzone is usually taken twice a day, with or without food. Take Serzone tablets with a full glass of water.

If you missed a dose of Serzone, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to original dosing. Do not increase or take double doses of Serzone.

Taking too much Serzone can cause an overdose, and if this happens, call emergency medical services right away.

Store Serzone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. 

You need to be monitored by the doctor when you are taking Serzone. Make sure to keep up with clinic and lab appointments when you are receiving Serzone.

Serzone may cause drowsiness or reduced alertness. Consuming alcohol can worsen the drowsy effect of Serzone. Do not drive or perform dangerous tasks right after taking Serzone.

Serzone may cause dizziness, especially right after arising from sitting or lying down position. You can prevent or reduce this by rising up slowly and gradually.

Do not take any other medication, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal supplements while having treatment with Serzone unless prescribed by the doctor.

Serzone may cause side effects. Watch out for these symptoms while you are using Serzone. If the following occurred, call your doctor right away:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, nose, throat, or lips.
• Potential liver problem symptoms such as jaundice, passing out dark urine or clay-colored stools, drastic loss of appetite, severe nausea, and stomach pain.
• Erection of the penis that lasts 2 hours or more (priapism)
• Fainting

Serzone may cause minor side effects such as:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Upset stomach
• Insomnia
• Dryness of the mouth
• Constipation
• Blurred vision