Serzone (Nefazodone) Mixing It With Alcohol

Serzone (nefazodone) is a prescription medication used to treat depression. Your doctor may prescribe Serzone to you if he or she thinks it may benefit your mood, panic episodes or aggression.

When taking any prescribed medication, it is important to learn about all possible side effects and interactions with that substance. The following is information about Serzone, including how it works, what the usual side effects are and its interaction with alcohol.

Serzone is the brand name of the generic drug nefazodone. Nefazodone is an antidepressant medication available by prescription only. Serzone is available in pill form and should only be taken orally, usually twice a day.

Serzone is an atypical antidepressant because nefazodone is not an SSRI, the most common type of drug to treat depression. Nefazodone works by balancing the neurotransmitters in the brain. This medication is effective in treating Major Depressive Disorder, as well as panic disorders and aggression.

If you are prescribed Serzone, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your full medical history. This thorough history allows your doctor to prescribe the correct dosage for maximum effectiveness.

Be honest with your doctor about any alcohol or drug use, so he or she can determine if Serzone is the right fit for you. Your doctor is not nosy or judgmental in asking for this information. Instead, they are protecting you by checking for any possible interactions or side effects.

Like most antidepressants, Serzone should be taken only as prescribed, never more or less, and not combined with any mind-altering substances.

Because antidepressants are so commonly prescribed, it’s easy to think that your lifestyle doesn’t have to change when taking the medication. However, something as common as drinking alcohol can interfere with the safety and effectiveness of nefazodone.

Because alcohol and Serzone both affect how your brain functions, the two should not be combined under any circumstances.

Alcohol and antidepressants like Serzone do not mix well. Instead of magnifying the effectiveness of Serzone in treating depression, alcohol interferes with its desired effects while causing magnified unwanted side effects.
Combining alcohol with nefazodone can result in severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, digestive upset and more. In some cases, mixing alcohol with Serzone can result in blackouts and seizures.

When taking Serzone, it is important to remember that this drug needs to be taken alone as prescribed, for maximum effectiveness. Mixing alcohol with Serzone will not only lessen its effectiveness in treating depression but also can wreak havoc on your body.

Serzone is an effective antidepressant when taken as prescribed and monitored closely by a medical professional. However, addiction and tolerance to Serzone are possible. If you’ve been mixing alcohol with Serzone or worry you are dependent on this medication, there is help for you.