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Nefazodone Dosing

For most people who are starting depression treatment with nefazodone, dosing usually starts at 100 mg twice daily. If side effects occur or if symptoms of depression do not improve, your healthcare provider may increase or decrease your dosage as needed. People who are elderly or have certain existing medical conditions are generally started on a lower nefazodone dosage of 50 mg twice a day.

 

Nefazodone Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of nefazodone hydrochloride (Serzone®) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
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As is always the case, do not adjust your nefazodone dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Nefazodone Dose for Depression

The recommended starting nefazodone dose for people with depression is 100 mg twice daily. Your healthcare provider may choose to increase the nefazodone dosage if depression symptoms continue or decrease the dose if side effects occur. The maximum recommended dose of nefazodone is 600 mg total per day.
 
Elderly people or people with certain other medical problems should be started at a lower dose, such as nefazodone 50 mg twice daily.
 

General Information on Dosing With Nefazodone

Some considerations for people taking nefazodone include:
 
 
  • It usually takes several weeks before feeling the beneficial effects of nefazodone. Try not to be discouraged if nefazodone does not work right away for you.
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  • It does not matter if you take nefazodone with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
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  • Nefazodone should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
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  • For nefazodone to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it differently than your healthcare provider prescribes.
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  • If you are unsure about anything related to nefazodone or your nefazodone dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;