Nefazodone

Also indexed as: Dutonin®, Serzone®

Nefazodone is a drug used to treat people with depression.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.

St. John’s wort*
Check Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.

Digitalis
Depletion or interference

None known
Side effect reduction/prevention

None known
Supportive interaction

None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability

None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Herbs

Digitalis (Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea)
Digitalis refers to a family of plants commonly called foxglove that contain digitalis glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin.

Nefazodone increased serum digoxin levels in a three-way crossover study of 18 healthy men.1 No interactions between nefazodone and digitalis have been reported. Until more is known, nefazodone and digitalis-containing products should be used only under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in their use.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Although there have been no interactions reported in the medical literature, it is best to avoid using nefazodone with St. John’s wort unless you are under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Nefazodone may be taken with or without food.2

Alcohol
People taking nefazodone are advised to avoid alcohol.3

References

1. Dockens RC, Greene DS, Barbhaiya RH. Assessment of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions between nefazodone and digoxin in healthy male volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol 1996;36:160–7.

2. Dockens RC, Greene DS, Barbhaiya RH. The lack effect of food on the bioavailability of nefazodone tablets. Biopharm Drug Dispos 1996;17:135–43.

3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants, Trazodone. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Mar 1995, 263i–3k.