Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
Brand Name :
Serzone, Serzone 5HT2, Nefazodone 5HT2
Synonyms :
nefazodone
Class :
Antidepressants and antianxiety drugs; Atypical antidepressants
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
50mgÂ
100mgÂ
150mgÂ
200mgÂ
250mgÂ
100 mg orally every 12 hours
Increase the dose by 50-100 mg/dose
Maintenance dose- 300-600 mg orally each day
The dose is increased by 100-200 mg per day at an interval of a minimum of 1 week
Long-term patients require 52 weeks for the treatment
Safety and efficacy not seen in pediatricsÂ
Refer to the adult dosingÂ
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with alpha-/beta-agonists
nefazodone has the potential to enhance the level or impact of intranasal dihydroergotamine intranasal by modulating the hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism
may increase the serotonergic effect of opioid agonists
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Nefazodone
may increase the serotonergic effect of Opioid Agonists
may increase the tachycardic effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
may have an increased hepatotoxic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased tachycardic effect when combined with alpha-/beta-agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with ergot derivatives
It may enhance when combined with oxycodone by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
the effect of nefazodone is increased by lorlatinib, by altering intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
nefazodone increases the effect of lapatinib by altering the intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
nefazodone increases the effect of entrectinib by altering the intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
nefazodone increases the effect of encorafenib by altering the intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
it increases the effect or level of ruxolitinib by altering the intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
it increases the effect of serotonergic agents
may increase the level of effectiveness through P-glycoprotein MDR1 efflux transporter
may increase the level of zonisamide by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism
may have an increased antiplatelet effect when combined with Abrocitinib
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Methylene Blue
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with iobenguane radiopharmaceutical products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with iobenguane radiopharmaceutical products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with iobenguane radiopharmaceutical products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with iobenguane radiopharmaceutical products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with iobenguane radiopharmaceutical products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may enhance the risk of adverse effect of amphetamines
may enhance the risk of adverse effect of amphetamines
may enhance the risk of adverse effect of amphetamines
may enhance the risk of adverse effect of amphetamines
may enhance the risk of adverse effect of amphetamines
may increase the vasopressor effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may enhance the tachycardic effect
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Atypical Antidepressants
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Atypical Antidepressants
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Atypical Antidepressants
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Atypical Antidepressants
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Atypical Antidepressants
When encainide is used together with nefazodone, this leads to a reduction in the encainide’s metabolism
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products
may decrease the therapeutic effect when combined with Alpha2-Agonists
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decreased metabolism of paclitaxel 
has a synergistic effect over brentuximab vedotin by showing altered intestinal/hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism.
increase the therapeutic effect of daunorubicin by P-glycoprotein efflux transporter
increase the therapeutic effect of idarubicin by P-glycoprotein efflux transporter
it increases the effect or level of finasteride by altering the intestinal/hepatic enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism
may increase the level of effectiveness through P-glycoprotein MDR1 efflux transporter
may increase the serotonergic effect of ergot derivatives
may have an increased antiplatelet effect when combined with Aspirin
may have an increased CNS depressant effect when combined with Brexanolone
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the serotonergic effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
may increase the risk of adverse effects
dexchlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Antihistamines
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Antihistamines
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Antihistamines
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Antihistamines
It may enhance the risk of adverse effects when combined with Antihistamines
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
May have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
nefazadone has the potential to modify the metabolism of propoxyphene, resulting in increased levels of propoxyphene in the bloodstream
Actions and Spectrum:Â
nefazodone is a medication used primarily to treat major depressive disorder. It is classified as a serotonin modulator and stimulator (SMS), which means it affects the levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin and norepinephrine.Â
The exact mechanism of action of nefazodone has yet to be fully understood. Still, it is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. It also acts as an antagonist at the 5-HT2A receptor, which may contribute to its antidepressant effects.Â
nefazodone has a spectrum of effects, which include:Â
Frequency definedÂ
>10%Â
Headache Â
Somnolence Â
Dizziness Â
Asthenia Â
Constipation Â
Nausea Â
Xerostomia Â
InsomniaÂ
1-10%Â
Infection Â
Dyspepsia Â
Blurred vision Â
Abnormal vision Â
Lightheadedness Â
Confusion Â
Increased appetite Â
Memory loss Â
Paresthesia Â
Ataxia Â
Decreased libido Â
Breast pain Â
Vasodilation Â
Decreased concentration Â
Decreased hematocrit Â
Bradycardia Â
Orthostatic hypotension Â
Frequency not definedÂ
HypomaniaÂ
ManiaÂ
SuicideÂ
Worsening depressionÂ
SeizureÂ
Suicidal thoughtsÂ
Liver failure
Black Box Warning:Â
nefazodone increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and alters behavior in young adults. The drug is not meant for pediatrics.Â
Contraindication/Caution:Â
nefazodone has several contraindications and cautions that should be considered before using this medication. These include:Â
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
nefazodone should be used during pregnancy only when very much requiredÂ
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
Use the drug cautiously during lactation.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Pharmacology:Â
nefazodone is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMSs). Its exact mechanism of action has yet to be fully understood. Still, it is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. It also acts as an antagonist at the 5-HT2A receptor, which may contribute to its antidepressant effects.Â
After oral administration, nefazodone is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2-4 hours. It is metabolized primarily by the liver, with a half-life of about 2-4 hours. The primary metabolite of nefazodone is hydroxy nefazodone, which is also pharmacologically active.Â
nefazodone and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the feces, with a small amount eliminated in the urine. The elimination half-life of the metabolite is longer than that of the parent drug, which may contribute to its longer duration of action.Â
nefazodone has several potential drug interactions, particularly with other medications that affect the cytochrome P450 system. It can inhibit the activity of several CYP enzymes, including CYP3A4, leading to increased plasma concentrations of other drugs metabolized by this enzyme.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
The pharmacodynamics of nefazodone involves its effects on the central nervous system, particularly the neurotransmitters serotonin, and norepinephrine.Â
nefazodone is a serotonin modulator and stimulator (SMS), which blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, resulting in increased levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. This leads to increased activation of postsynaptic serotonin and norepinephrine receptors, which can contribute to the antidepressant effects of the drug.Â
In addition to its effects on serotonin and norepinephrine, nefazodone also acts as an antagonist at the 5-HT2A receptor. This receptor is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression, and blocking it may contribute to the antidepressant effects of the drug.Â
nefazodone has been shown to have anxiolytic and sedative effects, possibly due to its actions on serotonin and norepinephrine receptors.Â
nefazodone has also been associated with heart rate and blood pressure changes, possibly related to its effects on the autonomic nervous system.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
The half-life elimination is 2-4 hoursÂ
The peak plasma concentration is achieved in 1 hourÂ
DistributionÂ
The bioavailability is 20% which is decreased by foodÂ
The protein-bound is 99%Â
The volume of distribution is 0.22-0.87 L/kgÂ
MetabolismÂ
Metabolism is done by hepatic P450 enzyme CYP3A4Â
Metabolites formed are hydroxy nefazodone (HO-NEF) and metachlorphenylpiperazine (mCPP)Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The drug is excreted 55% in urine and 20-30% in feces Â
The drug is non-dialyzableÂ
Administration:Â
nefazodone is typically administered orally in tablet form. The usual starting dose for adults is 100 mg taken twice daily, gradually increasing over several weeks as tolerated, up to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day. The total daily dose is usually divided into two or three doses taken throughout the day.Â
nefazodone should be taken with food to increase absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects risk. The tablets should be swallowed with water and not crushed, chewed, or broken.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name:Â nefazodoneÂ
Pronounced: ne-FAZ-oh-done Â
Why do we use nefazodone?Â
nefazodone is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. It is also sometimes used off-label to treat other conditions, such as anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Â
nefazodone is an antidepressant medication that increases the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, and increasing their levels can help alleviate symptoms of depression.Â
nefazodone is effective in treating MDD in several clinical trials and is generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of side effects compared to other antidepressant medications. It may also have anxiolytic and sedative effects, benefiting patients with comorbid anxiety or sleep disorders.Â