The recommended starting dose for serzone is 100-200 mg/day. The dose may then be increased in increments of 100-200 mg/day, administered in two divided doses, at intervals of approximately one week, depending upon clinical response and tolerance. In controlled clinical trials the effective dose range was 300 to 600 mg per day.

Special Precautions

Serzone may impair judgement, cognitive, or motor skills, and patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including driving, until they are certain that the treatment does not affect them adversely.

Any Other Important Information?

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor.

This medication is sometimes used in patients who were not helped by SSRIs or TCAs. Serzone may improve sleep quality better than other antidepressants, often decreases the troublesome side effect of sexual dysfunction, and possesses fewer cardiovascular side effects than older agents.

Seniors, especially older women, may have difficulty breaking down Serzone and may need to start treatment at a lower dosage than a younger person.

What are the Side Effects?

Remember that only some people will experience side effects, and that no one experiences side effects in exactly the same way. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and continue taking your medication. The following list may not contain all of the side effects associated with this medication.

Most common side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea

Infrequent side effects: dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, insomnia, agitation, and weakness or loss of strength

Rare side effects: Risks hypomania, and seizures

Symptoms of Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.

Are there any Drug Interactions?

Remember, always follow your physician's recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if you are taking one of the following substances, continue taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician. Also, if you are taking any herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician. The following section offers some, but not necessarily all, of the possible drug interactions.

Serzone must NOT be take with MAO inhibitors; serious toxicity can occur, even inducing coma. At least 14 days must pass from when a MAO inhibitor is stopped to when Serzone is started.

Serzone may increase the effects of: alparazolam (Xanax) and other benzodiazpines, digoxin (Lanoxin), haloperidol (Haldol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and triazolam (Halcion). Acebutolol (Sectral) and other beta-blockers may result in decreased levels when in use with Serzone and may increase the levels of Serzone. Astemizole (Hismanal), clozapine (Clozaril), dextromethorphan (cough medicines with DM on the label),
and TCAs should be avoided due to the increased risk of toxicity. Terfenadine (Seldane) may cause serious heart rhythm problems when taken with Serzone.

Excessive use of alcohol is not recommended for individuals taking Serzone due to the adverse effects that alcohol might have on depressed individuals. Also, alcohol may increase drowsiness when taken with Serzone.