Nefazodone hydrochloride

Nefazodone Hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug used in the treatment of depression. It belongs to the class of antidepressants known as phenylpiperazines and is similar to trazodone in its chemical structure. Nefazodone Hydrochloride works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in mood regulation.

History

Nefazodone Hydrochloride was first synthesized in the late 1980s by Bristol-Myers Squibb, a pharmaceutical company based in the United States. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1994 for the treatment of depression.

Pharmacology

Nefazodone Hydrochloride acts as a potent antagonist at serotonin 2A receptors and as an inhibitor of the serotonin transporter. It also has moderate antagonistic effects on norepinephrine and dopamine transporters. This combination of actions is believed to contribute to its antidepressant effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Nefazodone Hydrochloride include dizziness, nausea, insomnia, and dry mouth. In rare cases, it can cause severe liver damage, leading to its withdrawal from the market in several countries.

Current Use

Despite its potential for liver toxicity, Nefazodone Hydrochloride is still used in some countries, including the United States, for the treatment of depression. It is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other antidepressants.

See Also

• Antidepressant
• Serotonin
• Norepinephrine
• Dopamine
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Food and Drug Administration