| Serzone is a prescription medication that is given to | | | | the reabsorbing (reuptake) of Seratonin by the |
| patients who are seriously depressed | | | | releasing nerve. That means that more Seratonin |
| (Dysthymia,Major Depression, and Bipolar Disorder) to | | | | stays in the synapse for a longer amount of time |
| alleviate the symptoms of depression such as sleep | | | | and the hope is that it increases the chances for it to |
| and eating habits, changes in weight, coordination, | | | | be absorbed by the new nerve which, in the case of |
| fatigue, unjustified feelings of worthlessness or | | | | Seratonin, would continue the signal of happiness. |
| suicidal thoughts which prohibit normal functioning. It | | | | A serious side effect of this drug was shown to be |
| balances levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the | | | | liver failure. Signs of impending liver failure include a |
| brain which doctors think will help alleviate symptoms | | | | loss of appetite, an upset stomach, or a jaundicing |
| of depression much like the phenylpiperazine | | | | (yellowing) of the skin and eyes. Two women who |
| antidepressant, Trazodone (Desyrel). | | | | had taken Serzone for just 14 to 28 weeks had such |
| Between nerve endings in the brain, there are | | | | severe liver damage that they suffered liver failure |
| synapses. When a signal is transmitted, you feel it | | | | and needed immediate transplants. Serzone Lawsuits |
| when chemicals are released from one nerve to | | | | have been filed charging that Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| another. Seratonin is a brain chemical associated with | | | | Company (Serzone's manufacturer) knew and ignored |
| happiness. When these chemicals are released they | | | | the life-threatening aspect of their drug. However |
| are either taken in by the next nerve, thus continuing | | | | patients taking Serzone weren't aware that the drug |
| the signal, or if the next nerve doesn't absorb them | | | | had such serious side effects even though studies |
| and they are left in the synapse, the nerve that | | | | conducted prior to the release of the drug clearly |
| released them will re-absorb them and the signal | | | | indicated the likely chance of their occurrence. |
| doesn't pass. Some antidepressants work by blocking | | | | |