Serzone Side Effects

As with any prescription drug, there are side effects associated with Serzone. They range in severity anywhere from minor problems, such as dizziness, to major complications such as liver failure.

Common Serzone side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Fever
• Rash
• Seizures

Serzone Liver Damage

Serzone has also been associated with an increased risk for liver damage and/or failure. As a result, anyone with liver disease or a history of liver disease should not be prescribed Serzone. Symptoms of liver failure include:

• Jaundice - yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
• Dark urine
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite - for several days or longer
• Stomach pain

If these symptoms persist, liver failure may occur, resulting in a transplant and/or death.

Other Serzone Problems

In addition to the above side effects, Serzone is contraindicated for the following:

• Patients with an allergy to Serzone or Desyrel (a medication similar to Serzone)
• Patients who are taking Seldane (antihistamine), Hismanal (antihistamine), Propulsid (heartburn medication), Halcion (a sleep aid), Orap (Tourette's Syndrome medication), or Tegretol (seizure medication)
• Patients who have been taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAOI (another type of depression medication), within 14 days of starting Serzone
• Patients who use alcohol

Before taking Serzone, patients should inform their doctor of the following:

• If they are taking any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or nutritional supplements - this can affect the mechanisms of Serzone
• If they are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If they have heart problems
• If they have ever had a manic episode
• If they have ever had seizures
• If they have ever attempted suicide