nefazodone hydrochloride /nĕfa′zodōn/ , an antidepressant drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of mental depression in adults. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It should not be given to patients with an allergy to nefazodone hydrochloride or similar antidepressants, patients in the recovery phase of acute myocardial infarction, or patients also using monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pimozide, or carbamazepine. Caution is advised in prescribing it for patients with concurrent use of triazolam or alprazolam, a history of drug abuse, cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure, seizures, benign prostatic hyperplasia, constipation, or suicidal ideation. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: It has rarely caused life-threatening liver failure, so it should be discontinued immediately if there are signs of hepatic toxicity. The side effects most often reported include dry mouth, impaired vision, eye pain, flulike symptoms, ringing in the ears, swollen limbs, and muscle pain.
