Nefazodone Hcl (nefazodone HCl)

Antidepressants Oral Tablet

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Nefazodone is a phenylpiperazine-derivative antidepressant agent that differs chemically and pharmacologically from selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressant agents.

Nefazodone is a phenylpiperazine-derivative antidepressant agent. While the drug is structurally related to trazodone, nefazodone differs chemically and pharmacologically from selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressant agents. The exact mechanism of antidepressant action of nefazodone has not been fully elucidated but appears more complex than other antidepressant agents and may involve inhibition of reuptake of serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine (5-HT)) at the presynaptic membrane, antagonism at serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) receptors, and down-regulation of 5-HT2 receptor binding sites.

Nefazodone also inhibits presynaptic reuptake of norepinephrine and exhibits alpha1-adrenergic blocking activity. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the drug possesses little or no affinity for alpha2-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, muscarinic, dopaminergic, histamine H1, 5-HT1A, or GABA-benzodiazepine receptors.

SumMon(R) (see Users Guide). For additional information on this drug until a more detailed monograph is developed and published, the manufacturer's labeling should be consulted. It is essential that the labeling be consulted for detailed information on the usual cautions, precautions, and contraindications.

USES: This medication is used to treat depression. Because of the risk of liver disease, this medication is usually used after trying other drugs. Nefazodone works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin, norepinephrine) in the brain.

Generic name: nefazodone HCl
Pronunciation: (neh-FAZZ-oh-doan)
Drug class: Antidepressants
Therapeutic class: Central Nervous System Agents

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Nefazodone Hcl:

  • Major Depressive Disorder

Also known as: Major Unipolar Illness, Unipolar Mood Disorder.

Dosing

Patients should be monitored for possible worsening of depression, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior, especially at the beginning of therapy or during periods of dosage adjustment. (See Suicidality Precautions under Dosage and Administration: Administration.)

While the manufacturer makes no specific recommendations for modification of dosage in patients with hepatic impairment, AUC values for nefazodone and its active metabolite hydroxynefazodone are increased by approximately 25% in patients with cirrhosis; therefore, nefazodone should be used with caution in patients with clinically important hepatic dysfunction. The manufacturer makes no specific recommendations for modification of dosage in patients with renal impairment. Limited data indicate that steady-state plasma concentrations of nefazodone in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance: 7-60 mL/minute per 1.73 m2 body surface area) do not differ from those in healthy individuals.

Drug interactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindications

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Adverse reactions

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Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Major depressive disorder
F32.0ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, single episode, mild
F32.1ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
F32.2ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features
F32.3ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, single episode, severe with psychotic features
F32.4ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, single episode, in partial remission
F32.5ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, single episode, in full remission
F32.9ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
F33ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent
F33.0ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
F33.1ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
F33.2ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
F33.3ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic symptoms
F33.4ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, in remission
F33.40ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, in remission, unspecified
F33.41ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, in partial remission
F33.42ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remission
F33.9ICD10CMMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data