Nefazodone (Serzone®, Bristol Myers Squibb) was licensed in Singapore for the treatment of depression, including depression accompanied by anxiety or sleep disturbances. It inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin and also selectively blocks the serotonin receptors.

Nefazodone has been suspected to be associated with 56 cases of liver failure worldwide since its introduction in 1994. The drug has been voluntarily withdrawn from sale in the Singapore market by the company with effect from 31 March 2004 due to low usage of the drug in Singapore.

The company had earlier issued a Dear Healthcare Professional Letter in December 2003 to inform our local prescribers about the discontinuation of the drug so that patients on Serzone® can be switched to another antidepressant. Prescribers were also informed not to start new patients on Serzone®.