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Combined reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers

Side effects of combined reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers

Side effects of combined inhibitors and blockers include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nervousness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Weakness
  • Vision problems
  • Confusion
  • Headache

Safety concerns with combined reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers

Trazodone has been associated with priapism — persistent, usually painful erections not associated with sexual arousal. If this occurs, seek medical treatment immediately. Many of those cases have required surgical correction, resulting in permanent impairment of erectile function or impotence.

In rare cases, nefazodone (nuh-FAY-zoe-dohn) can cause life-threatening liver failure. Don't take it if you already have liver problems. Know the signs and symptoms of possible liver dysfunction, such as yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, unusually dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea or abdominal pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these problems. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor before using pimozide (Orap), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, others), triazolam (Halcion) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) if you're taking nefazodone.

Maprotiline has been associated with seizures, so people with a history of seizures usually shouldn't take this medication. Also, maprotiline shouldn't be used in combination with MAOIs.

Suicidal feelings and combined reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers

In some cases, antidepressants may be associated with worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior in those ages 18 to 24. These symptoms are likely to occur in the first one to two months of treatment or when you change your dosage. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any changes in your symptoms. You may need more careful monitoring when beginning treatment or changing dosage, or you may need to stop the medication if your symptoms worsen. Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidal thoughts.

Work with your doctor or mental health provider to nix your irritability, sadness, guilt or anger and elevate your mood with this dual-action inhibitor and blocker that works for your good mental health.

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References
  1. FDA proposes new warnings about suicidal thinking, behavior in young adults who take antidepressant medications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01624.html. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
  2. Questions and answers on antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/QA20070502.htm. Accessed Sept. 29, 2008.
  3. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 1, 2008.
  4. Orap (prescribing information). Sellersville, Pa.: Gate Pharmaceuticals; 2005. http://www.gatepharma.com/ORAP/orapscriptinfo.pdf. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
  5. Carbatrol (prescribing information). Wayne, Pa.: Shire US; 2007. http://www.carbatrol.com/Assets/PI.pdf. Accessed Oct. 10, 2008.
  6. Tegretol (prescribing information). East Hanover, N.J.: Novartis Pharmaceuticals; 2008. http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/product/pi/pdf/tegretol.pdf. Accessed Oct. 3, 2008.
  7. Halcion (prescribing information). New York, N.Y.: Pharmacia and Upjohn Co.; 2008. http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2008/017892s038lbl.pdf. Accessed Oct. 3, 2008.
  8. Single interactions table. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http:www.micromedex.com. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
  9. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/HQ01069. Accessed Oct. 16, 2008.
  10. Trazodone hydrochloride (prescribing information). Pomona, N.Y.: Barr Laboratories; 2008. http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=7039. Accessed Nov. 9, 2008.
  11. Single interactions table. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http:www.micromedex.com. Accessed Nov. 9, 2008.

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Dec. 10, 2008

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