Serzone is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
Serzone is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
Serzone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Serzone?
Do not take Serzone if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days, or if you are taking terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D), astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), triazolam (Halcion), or carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Epitol, Carbatrol).
In rare cases, treatment with Serzone has been associated with serious liver problems, sometimes resulting in liver transplant or death. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes; unusually dark urine; loss of appetite that lasts several days or longer; severe nausea; or stomach pain. These may be early signs of liver problems.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Serzone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
Avoid alcohol during treatment with Serzone. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Serzone.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Serzone?
Do not take Serzone if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
- terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D);
- astemizole (Hismanal);
- cisapride (Propulsid);
- pimozide (Orap);
- triazolam (Halcion); or
- carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Epitol, Carbatrol).
These drugs can cause very serious interactions with Serzone that could lead to seizures, heart damage, and even death.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats;
- seizures;
- had manic episodes (extreme agitation or excitability);
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
You may not be able to take Serzone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Serzone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Serzone will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Serzone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Serzone passes into breast milk. Do not take Serzone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Serzone.
How should I take Serzone?
Take Serzone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Do not stop taking Serzone without first talking to your doctor. It may be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time.
Store Serzone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a Serzone overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.
What should I avoid?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Serzone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
Avoid alcohol during treatment with Serzone. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Serzone.
What are the possible side effects of Serzone?
In rare cases, treatment with Serzone has been associated with serious liver problems, sometimes resulting in liver transplant or death. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes; unusually dark urine; loss of appetite that lasts several days or longer; severe nausea; or stomach pain. These may be early signs of liver problems.
If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking Serzone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- fainting; or
- 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; or
- blurred or abnormal vision.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Serzone?
Do not take Serzone if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
- terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D);
- astemizole (Hismanal);
- cisapride (Propulsid);
- carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Epitol, Carbatrol);
- triazolam (Halcion); or
- pimozide (Orap).
These drugs can have very serious interactions with Serzone that could lead to seizures, heart damage, and even death.
Many other drugs may interact with Serzone. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medications during treatment with Serzone, especially any of the following:
- haloperidol (Haldol);
- alprazolam (Xanax);
- lorazepam (Ativan);
- cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
- tacrolimus (Prograf);
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
- warfarin (Coumadin); or
- atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), or simvastatin (Zocor).
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of these medicines.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Serzone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
