ABSTRACT
This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions and overdosage of Nefazodone. Nefazodone may inhibit hepatic microsomal enzyme metabolism, particularly that which is mediated by isoenzyme CYP3A3/4. This interaction may result in significantly increased blood concentrations and half-lives of elimination for affected drugs. Concurrent nefazodone pharmacotherapy requires an initial dosage reduction of 50% for these interacting drugs. Concurrent nefazodone and astemizole, cisapride, or terfenadine pharmacotherapy also has been associated with increased blood concentrations with resultant QT-interval prolongation and potentially fatal cardiac dysrhythmias. Nefazodone pharmacotherapy commonly has been associated with abnormal vision, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, light-headedness, nausea, somnolence, and weakness or lack of strength. Signs and symptoms of nefazodone overdosage include drowsiness, nausea, somnolence, and vomiting. Nefazodone overdosage requires emergency symptomatic medical support of body systems with attention to increasing nefazodone elimination.
