TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE

CNS Approved 2003-09-16

NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE is indicated for the treatment of Depression; Major Depressive Disorder.

Source: FDA Label • Dr. Reddy's

How NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE Works

Nefazodone hydrochloride is a phenylpiperazine antidepressant that acts as a Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI). Its primary mechanism of action involves potent antagonism of central 5-HT2A receptors and moderate inhibition of the neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine. By blocking 5-HT2A receptors, nefazodone redirects serotonin to other receptor subtypes (like 5-HT1A), which is thought to contribute to its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects while minimizing common SSRI-related side effects such as insomnia, agitation, and sexual dysfunction. It also possesses antagonist activity at alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.

1
Indication
--
Phase 3 Trials
22
Years on Market

Details

Status
Discontinued
First Approved
2003-09-16
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET

NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE Approval History

2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
163 FDA actions from 2003 to 2025
Jun 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jun 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Nov 2014 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE Treats

2 indications

NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 2003. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Depression
  • Major Depressive Disorder
Source: FDA Label

NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE Boxed Warning

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of nefazodone hydrochloride tablets or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the...

NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

NEFAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE is indicated for the treatment of Depression; Major Depressive Disorder.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use ...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.