Signs, Symptoms And Side Effects Of Serzone (Nefazodone) Abuse
Serzone (nefazodone) is used for treating cases of depression. It can be used to reduce symptoms related to depression, including sadness, feelings of guilt, tiredness, fluctuations in appetite, loss of interest in daily activities, insomnia or sleeping too much and thoughts of suicide.
Typically, this medication is used after other treatments have been unsuccessful, due to the high risk of liver disease associated with taking this medication for long periods of time.
Nefazodone works by changing specific chemicals found in the brain, including norepinephrine and serotonin, which are called neurotransmitters.
While misuse isn’t highly common for those taking Serzone (nefazodone), those who suffer other substance misuse situations may be vulnerable to developing an addiction or misuse problem.
What Is Serzone (Nefazodone)?
The side effects associated with this medication include the following:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
In addition to the common side effects, there are also some more serious issues that may occur. These include:
- Fainting
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Painful or prolonged erections
- Unusually dark urine
- Stomach pain or severe nausea
- Allergic reaction
If someone is misusing Serzone, they will likely experience some of the side effects mentioned here but more severely than if they were taking the prescribed amount.
It is important for an individual to follow their doctor’s directions carefully to ensure issues related to misuse or overuse don’t occur.
Serzone (Nefazodone) Addiction
While nefazodone is not a controlled substance and doesn’t show any potential for being misused, there are exceptions to everything. Additionally, to date, nefazodone hasn’t been studied for issues related to physical dependence, tolerance or withdrawal.
It is important for physicians to carefully evaluate their patients to determine if misusing this medication may be an issue, as it can have serious consequences. Some of the indications that a person may be suffering from a nefazodone addiction include:
- Drug seeking behavior
- Dose escalation
- Development of a tolerance
Additionally, if a person has overdosed on this medication, they will likely feel sluggish, suffer from increased sweating, be nauseous and vomit.
Serzone (Nefazodone) Long-Term Effects
As with any antidepressant, long-term use and misuse of Serzone can have some negative consequences. In addition to a person becoming dependent on the medication, they can also experience adverse health issues, such as cardiac problems.
Additionally, for vulnerable individuals (such as those who suffer from another substance misuse issue) may experience mania or mild mania. This is noticed if the individual has a sudden burst of increased energy, reduced need for sleep, irritability, increased pleasure-seeking and impulsiveness.
Due to the possibility of withdrawal symptoms with Serzone, it may be necessary for an individual to seek professional help to stop taking it. The professionals can provide assistance overcoming the issue and helping the individual struggling with the problem a clear path to recovery.
Anyone who is dealing with Serzone addiction or believes a loved one may have a substance misuse problem can contact the professional team at The Recovery Village.
Serzone (Nefazodone) Addiction And Abuse
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.