Serzone (nefazodone hydrochloride) is an SNRI antidepressant; it targets neuron activity that is associated with anxiety and sleeplessness-a combination that often leads to depression or exacerbates already existing depression. Serzone is not the most popular antidepressant. There has been a continuing debate as to whether or not it should be “pulled from the market” altogether. Statistics linking Serezone to liver failure and death might lead you to reconsider taking the drug. This decision must, of course, be discussed with your prescribing doctor; if the decision is to quit, there are methods that can relieve withdrawal symptoms that are not only characteristic of Serzone, but of all types of anti-depressants.
There are no truly defined symptoms of withdrawal when referring to antidepressants, but something does seem to be happening and that “something” is felt in a similar fashion from person to person. Serzone is a type of antidepressant that focuses specifically on anxiety and insomnia, so it makes sense that it’s most common withdrawal symptoms are anxiety and insomnia. Other reported symptoms include: irritability, agitation, dizziness, confusion and headache. Antidepressants withdrawal, in general, is often accompanied by flu-like and sensory symptoms (nausea, blurred vision, aches, digestive problems, tingling and shocking sensations). The purpose of knowing these possibilities is not to frighten you but to give you control; merely being aware of what’s to come is the first step to easing the process. Here are some tips that can make all the difference when dealing with Serzone withdrawal.
Taper off: the half-life of Nefazone (the substance that Serzone is composed of) is around 18 hours. This disintegration process commences the withdrawal period. Mild symptoms might be felt after one day’s missed dosage; the symptoms will most likely double in intensity with each missed dose. This is where the doctor comes in; he or she can arrange a tapering routine that makes the withdrawal process less severe. The most effective method varies among individuals depending on their duration of usage and the current dosage. You can get an estimate of how long you will experience withdrawal symptoms by considering how long it took for the medication to take full affect at the start of the treatment.
Modify your diet: stock your fridge with foods that have fatty-acids and proteins. Turkey is a good source of protein that has tryptophan (the chemical that gives you that content feeling after a Thanksgiving meal). Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids should be at the very top of your shopping list. Some examples are walnuts, salmon, and flaxseeds. Omega 3 fatty acid not only reduces joint pain that may arise, but also promotes myelin growth and improved neuron conduction in the regions of the brain related to emotion regulation. Don’t make things difficult by not allowing yourself to eat what you like-but I doubt you will have many cravings if you go for these foods first.
Consider Prozac: one option doctors are offering to patients is to transition from Serzone to Prozac for a period of time (sounds crazy, but actually makes sense). Prozac rarely interacts with other antidepressants and has a very lengthy half-life; one dose gently lingers in your system for long time, thus, curbing Serzone withdrawal symptoms.
Put your body at ease: if Prozac doesn’t seem like a good idea, you can relieve your symptoms through behavioral alternatives: Stretching is a simple example that can do wonders for anxiety, aches, and irritability without being too taxing.
Talk therapy: it is ALWAYS a good idea to maintain contact with a counselor. It helps for someone relatively objective (compared to family) to remind you that the world is not so daunting as it might seem, that your medication does not control you; you control you.
Regulate your sleep patterns: designate your bedroom for sleep only. If you are not asleep in a dark, cool room within thirty minutes of lying down, go to another room and try again later. You might have to do this a few times (especially if Serzone was prescribed for insomnia) but don’t get too frustrated. During the day get some sun. Sunlight releases endorphins and lowers levels of stress hormones. Full spectrum light bulbs have the same effect.
Pre-plan a break: Take control of your environment. Schedule an official break from work before you quit taking Serzone-it staves off that nasty guilt and anxiety felt when you have to call in sick. You can actually look at this process as a chance to relax.
Inform others: it helps to inform your close friends and loved ones about what you will be dealing with. You may be a little grumpy and you don’t want to have to worry that you are offending someone who doesn’t know what is going on. Be a little selfish and don’t feel guilty about it! Just remind them that you will feel better in just a few days (because you will).
Don’t self-medicate: you might have the urge to look into buying some over-the-counter sleep or flu medications-resist this urge. Don’t go for things that are potentially habit-forming.
The last very important tip I will offer is to remind yourself that your struggle regarding Serzone withdrawal will not last forever; be patient with your body and go easy on yourself because you wont feel this way for very long.
