Nortriptyline Hydrochloride (Aventyl).
d.
(1) Uses. Nortriptyline is used in the treatment of depression and
neuropathic pain disorders.
(2) Adverse effects. The adverse effects produced by nortriptyline are the
same as those produced by imipramine hydrochloride (see para 9-14b).
(3) Cautions and warnings. The adverse effects produced by nortriptyline
are the same as those produced by imipramine hydrochloride (see para 9-14b).
Trazodone (Desyrel).
e.
(1) Uses. Trazodone is used in the treatment of depression. It is unrelated
to any of the antidepressants discussed thus far.
(2) Adverse effects. The adverse effects produced by trazodone include
skin rash, chest pain, drowsiness, tachycardia, vivid dreams/nightmares, and muscle
aches.
(3) Cautions and warnings. Trazodone may produce drowsiness and may
cause irregular heartbeat. The patient should observe caution when driving or
performing other tasks requiring alertness. Alcohol and other depressant drugs should
be avoided while taking trazodone.
Nefazodone Hydrochloride (Serzone).
f.
(1) Uses. Nefazodone hydrochloride is an oral antidepressant that is totally
unrelated to the other available antidepressants.
(2) Adverse effects. The adverse effects of nefazodone hydrochloride are
similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
(3)
Contraindications.
(a) The drug is contraindicated in patients who are taking other
monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, and those having hypersensitivity to nefazodone
or other phenylpiperazine antidepressants.
(b) The drug is contraindicated on patients who are taking
nonsedating antihistimines (that is, Terfenadine and Astemizole).
(4) Cautions and warnings. Patients taking nefazodone hydrocloride
should be cautioned against the following:
(a)
The drug may produce drowsiness.
MD0804
9-13