I discovered that when I went to have my monthly script filled. None at any drugstore here. Luckily I have enough to last 2 months. Teva says it is on back-order. I hope so, I have taken it for 10 years and for the first time in my life I am not depressed or anxious. Anyone heard if they are going to stop making this drug?
There is a shortage of nefazodone, are they going to stop making it? Did it use to be called Serzone
Question posted by lind22844 on 4 May 2012
Last updated on 30 August 2022
Added 7 May 2012:
does any one there take nefazodone or as it used to be called serzone.
Added 30 May 2012:nefazodone 100 and 150 are back in stock and available at the pharmacies
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
21 Answers
richardamann
24 July 2021
Yes, it used to be called Serzone. I also cannot get nefazadone.
TyreseTl
30 Aug 2022
Have you gotten it now? It’s available on the market.
Djmarshall22
2 July 2021
I have been on Nefazedone for 27 years and was concerned that I couldn’t get a refill. About one year ago I had to add Trintellix 10 mg to my Nefazedone 200mg since more didn’t get rid of my depression. My doctor told me it was similar to Nefazedone. It is expensive if your insurance doesn’t cover it although the company does give discounts depending on your income. I have needed to take trazodone 25 mg for sleep since I can’t get Nefazedone. I too would want to go back on a low dose of Nefazedone again if it becomes available because it works well for my anxiety and depression. I would recommend trying Trintellix. Check it out.
snowmass
7 May 2021
I just contacted FDA drug shortage with this message. Please call and email them and feel free to use any part of this message. The FDA email and phones number is below.
I am writing to report a very long drug shortage of nefazadone made by Teva that says they are missing an ingredient. It has been 8 months, and those like myself who have been immensely helped by this medication would like this to be resolved so that the medication can be back in supply and available. Please respond to my email and let me know exactly how I can work with you to bring this drug immediately back on the market. Please call Teva in Israel and the US to ask them how FDA can remedy the situation. Please convey to your colleagues, Teva, and the company that has the missing ingredient to make this a priority!
Hundreds of Thousands of Americans rely on this treatment and we sincerely request your immediate action
Contact CDER Drug Shortages by email: drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov
Contact CDER Drug Shortages by phone: (240) 402-7770
dp92672
7 May 2021
Nice work here, thanks for the update. Keep up the good work. I will follow up myself.
dp92672
7 May 2021
Nice work here, thanks for the update. Keep up the good work. I will follow up myself.
ksat22
26 April 2021
Here's a message from Teva:
"We wish we had better news, but all strengths of Nefazodone Hydrochloride Tablets, USP are temporarily unavailable with no release date. They have been in that status since 8/31/20. We apologize for any inconveniences you have experienced with the availability of this product. We recommend that you speak with your physician for an alternative. We are keeping a list of patients and physicians who are contacting us regarding this product. If you would like to be added to this list, please provide your contact phone number and email address for future updates regarding Nefazodone availability. This information will only be kept until the issue with the Nefazodone has been resolved."
Teva can be reached at tevacs@tevapharm.com or 1-800-545-8800. They are the only manufacturer of nefazodone medication.
Aunt ZsaZsa
28 Feb 2021
I have been taking Nefazodone for almost 18 years. I started having problems getting it filled starting in September of 2020. As of January 2021 I have not been able to get my prescription filled. Luckily I had an extra month's supply on hand so my doctor has started weaning me off of it. I'm terrified as it was the ONLY medication I was able to take that took care of my depression and a lot of my anxiety. When I started taking Nefazodone my life was much different and I had not been in therapy very long. Over the years of therapy and learning new tools to use to help me with different stressful situations, I have been wondering if I could stop taking this medication... unfortunately, Big Pharma didn't give me that choice to continue or stop taking it. I find this to be HORRIBLE and inexcusable for any drug manufacture to do this to hundreds of thousands of people when their life depends on this medication.
I'm praying I can either find another medication that had such few side effects for me, especially not causing me to gain weight or that I do not need to take anything any longer. My life was going good, I'm healthy and happy as I'm stable with the medication... I pray it will remain that way or I will be able to find something close to replace it if necessary.
FYI:
Teva has nefazodone on shortage due to raw ingredient supply issues. They are the sole suppliers of nefazodone tablets.
Teva has all presentations temporarily unavailable and the company cannot estimate a release date.
Updated:
Updated January 26, 2021 by Michelle Wheeler, PharmD, Drug Information Specialist. Created September 14, 2020 by Michelle Wheeler, PharmD, Drug Information Specialist. © 2021, Drug Information Service, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
Inactive
7 March 2021
Here is the thing, I have been on it almost 25 years, when I cut down in the past, by day 3 then I get nightmares, vivid images that startle me, and keep me from a night of rest. Nefazodone, has stopped the vivid images, and nightmares, and allowed me to function... So when I run out, I have to risk 4 things, ( 1. ) Withdrawal ( 2. ) Relapse Clinical Depression ( 3. ) PTSD ( 4. ) Panic Attack Anxiety... Nefazodone took care all by itself, it took care of the Depression, Anxiety and PTSD - And now I face a 4th withdrawal, from the chemical dependency of after almost a quarter of a century on the unique medication... I took Trazodone before I got in Nefazodone in the 1990's and it stuffed plugged my nose shot after each dose, had to stop and go to the MIRACLE DRUG Nefazodone, tried about 7 or 8 other Anti-Depressants in the 1990's.
and NONE worked for me ! Nefazodone was the one miracle drug my brain chemistry responded too, I cannot believe I may be forced soon to disrupt my life and hwo wil I turn out ? This goes against the norms of logic, to be stable, have a life, a quality life, and then switch off a medicine that saved your life almost 25 years, because it is in shortage, and for the last 1/2 a year the ONLY Company that makes it sure is not in no hurry it seems to get it back out there, or to give a statement, and tell us why it has been a 1/2 a year and still same status UNAVAILABLE ? When many of us will suffer greatly, or have already !
Aunt ZsaZsa
8 March 2021
Nefazodone Man - Welcome to my world!!! My doc has been weaning me off of Nefazodone and I am down to my last .25 pill this evening... after that I'm on my own and I am scared. I have noticed a difference in my ability to be tolerant and I do get angered fairly easily now. I wasn't on this medication as long as you were but long enough that my life was going great and I was not afraid to be around people for fear of over reacting to different situations. I do not believe it for a second that they are having problems getting any ingredients for this medication what so ever. I believe there are not that many people taking this medication and it's probably not a big money maker for TEVA so instead they blame it on not being able to get some of the raw ingredients. BS!!! Funny how these raw ingredients all of a sudden when the Plandemic struck and everyone is using COVID-19 as an excuse for not doing their jobs properly and why it takes so long to get products.
I may be on medication but I am far from being stupid or ignorant of the ploys companies will try/do all in the name of the all mighty dollar.
Inactive
8 March 2021
Aunt Zsa Zsa, sorry to hear yet another fellow Nefazodoner FORCED to get off of a med that worked for the individual... I will say this, I did lots of research, and found a Statistic today from 2017, the most recent year this stat was taken... There was 21 most prescribed Anti Depressants in 2017 - Nefazodone was ranked at #18 in 2017 - The Statistic said includes refills... Well for Nefazodone, ranked #18 it says according to that data just 4 years ago in 2017 there was 19,360 Scripts written for Nefazodone for calendar year 2017 and that includes refills... So if you include refills, we are all on 12 refills a year, each month... So 19.360 Scripts written for Nefazodone in 2017 dived by 12 for each month and each user comes out to in 2017 of only 1,613 users basically as of 2017 -- Probably even less now in 2021 especially after the shortage, and people being forced off of this vital medication for their life...
I mean is there really even an incentive to make this any more ??? Compared to number 1 on the list in 2017 being Trazodone, with over 12 Million Scripts written which comes out to over 1 Million users I am not confident there is any incentive to make a med for such a small amount of users... However I will say this, even if 100 of us left taking this for years, decades, it should STILL be available for us as it is medically necesscary for our brain chemistry, and I hope Teva, or somoene realizes this asap, and lets us have access to this again, this is so horrible to have spent 1 year worrying about Pandemic, then the other 1/2 out of last year, worrying if your crucial Nefazodone will ever be available.. Please people, lets hope they make this for us consistently some how...
nefazadone
11 Feb 2021
I am also out of serzone and transitioning to trazodone. First there was nausea for about three days, then all seemed ok. That was several weeks ago. Now I have daily headaches. Nothing debilitating but I am sure it is not healthy to be taking ibuprofen for headaches on a daily basis. I plan to call Teva tomorrow to see if I can actually speak to someone. If I get through, will post results.
Inactive
12 Feb 2021
Well I was told before this explained : " There are times when a product goes into a “temporarily unavailable” status with no release date. That is different than just being on backorder. A TU status can mean many months until a product returns but it can also mean that there is a chance it may not come back " Well after 5 months of no status change, and people running out in droves, I am thinking this is NEVER coming back, so upsetting to think this is a Psychiatric Med, and POOF no more being made, poor planning, whatever you call it, we were LET DOWN BIGTIME !
nefazadone
13 Feb 2021
Spoke to Teva customer service. The claim is that they have not been able to get a specific ingredient for a while. No projected date for starting production of serzone.
momsue84
16 Feb 2021
Thank you for the information. Not surprised by the answer you received from Teva. Yes, we have been let down. I am existing on Trazodone but I would prefer to thrive on Nefazodone.
Inactive
17 Feb 2021
Sorry, but ( 5 ) months into this Nefazodone shortage it is no longer even 1 bit comforting to me to have a Teva phone rep telling me not discontinued... I have said all along, the longer this goes on, the more people will run out sooner or later, or have to look all over the USA to find some to hold them over hoping, praying it comes back... Nefazodone was not popular before this, we ALL know that, and if they think 5 months of not making it which has chased people off of this is going to boost sales IF they make it again, which I highly doubt they will, and from the start have seriously doubted they would, and 5 months later, I feel I was correct, anyhow that is NOT going to boost sales, as most will be off of it, if not all eventually...
And whoul would wanna go back and have them poorly manage it's availability just to put us through this again ??? I will say this, when I run out and switch I am NEVER taking Nefaozodone again if they do not make this soon and I do run out, they have shown they did not plan for us, and are in NO RUSH to resolve this at this point... Honestly, in my opinion I am not sure that was not the plan all along ??? Teva stop the suspense, just tell us you pulled the plug on this... Spare your reps from the many repetitive calls, spare us from the not discontinued same old same old as we are suffering cause we ran out, or suffering cause we know we will run out.. Enough is enough just make a statement one way or the other, so unfair to us users to keep us in limbo after almost 1/2 a year we don't need false hope or suspense, we need a factual statement that YES you are very actively engaged in trying to make this again, or NO it is done we are disontinuing it permanently... Please Moderator, let this post up, this is serious frustration on our part as we are now 5 months into this, and YES this is a crisis for those who depended on Teva as the pnly producer to make a med we have been on 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 even 30 years...
momsue84
17 Feb 2021
Amen!
dp92672
25 Dec 2021
I received an email from TEVA that stated nefazadone is now being produced again and is back on the market.
MGoddard
3 Feb 2021
I have been on Serzone/Nefazodone since 1998. I have tried most other antidepressants, but none works for me! I was due to get a refill the end of December, but haven't been able to get it. Luckily, I was prescribed a dose of 350 mg per day. I have gradually reduced my dose to 250 mg/ day, and now I take 250 mg every other day. I'm almost out, though. I hate to see what happens when I run out!
When I called Tea today (Feb. 2, 2021), they couldn't tell me if or when they would be producing the drug again. NOTHING else works for me! I have a doctor's appointment next week. I'm praying he can work a miracle!
momsue84
3 Feb 2021
Sorry to hear you are in this predicament, as are the rest of us. I, too, hope your doctor can work some sort of miracle for you. Please keep us posted as to how you fare. Yes, calling Teva doesn't really help. But, if we keep putting pressure on them, maybe that will make a difference. I fear this isn't just about not being able to get the AI needed to produce Nefazodone. I think it's about their bottom line. I guess the best advice is to not be afraid if you have to switch to something else. It's doable. Best wishes!
WannabeT23
23 Jan 2021
I just want to share my experience too. I have been on 500 mgs of Nefazone nightly and 300mgs of Wellbutrin in the mornings for 20 years and recently heard the Nefazodone was discontinued. I panicked, met with my psychiatrist and we decided that I would taper it and see how I do without it
My taper schedule was:
1 1/2 pills or 375mgs nightly for 2 weeks
1 pill or 250 mgs for 2 weeks
1 pill or 125 mgs for 2 weeks.
I have been completely off of it for 2 weeks and dont feel any different except I am not sleeping as well and I have bizarre dreams, but nothing that resembles anxiety or depression or any side effects. If I start having symptoms, we are probably going to try the Trazodone in addition to the Wellbutrin, but my fingers are crossed that I can get by without it.
Good luck everyone!
momsue84
23 Jan 2021
Thank you for your post. Good information for all of us. Good luck to you, as well. Keep us posted as to your progress.
momsue84
23 Jan 2021
I have now been by on Trazodone since Nov. 1, 2020. I have settled in on 100 mg at bedtime. I sleep well. No trouble falling asleep. What I have noticed is that my senses seem more acute. sharper, if you will. Sounds, especially. I can live on the Trazodone but if nefazodone comes back, I am going back to it as soon as my pharmacy can get it. Yes, I have contacted Teva. I get the same party line. Ugh!!!
Inactive
24 Jan 2021
Dear momsue84 I am SO GLAD to hear from you on a post, not 1 day has gone by that I have not worried how you were doing... Glad to hear you made it, as Trazodone is what I will going to, and you did the direct switch... Just grateful to hear from you, give me much needed HOPE ! Did the stuffy nose eventually subside ? That is what I got 24 years ago before being put on Nefazodone
momsue84
24 Jan 2021
Hi Nefazodoneman! Thank you so much! I am doing ok. I solved the sinus issue by upping the humidity level on my Cpap machine. Apparently, Trazodone has a drying effect, more so than Nefazodone. Keep that in mind when making the switch. Drier mouth, too, so I use Biotene products. Someone asked why I went up to 150 mg for a very brief time. Foolishly, I thought it would be even better than 100mg. Not so!!! As I have said, 50mg can make a huge difference. So, I am stable. No depression or anxiety at all. What bothers me most are my heightened senses. But, that could just be me. Keep us posted when you make the switch.
Utah Rob
13 Jan 2021
I called Teva USA's customer service number today and they said that Nefazodone has not been discontinued. It is listed as temporarily unavailable in all doses and they have no timeframe for when it will be available again. Take that for what it's worth. I'm gonna give Trazodone a try when my current supply runs out. Wish me luck.
P.S. Has anyone tried Viibryd? Viibryd and Trazodone are the two listed replacements according to my insurance company. Going with Trazodone first since it is supposed to be fairly closely related chemically to Nefazodone.
Inactive
14 Jan 2021
Hi Utah Rob, I am wishing you luck, as Trazodone is what I got to go to also IF I run out before it is back on Market again... I saw a post from a Lady in 2012 last time there was a shortage, she went to Viibryd, she said all hell broke loose and she has many many seizures... I cannot speak for all, but Trazodone seems like the most logical to go to, BUT it is more sedating, more a heart risk as Nefazodone is the Liver Risk, and Trazodone I took briefly before I got put on Nefazodone 24 years ago, and the Trazodone pugged my nostrils shut each time I took it, and gave me a pounding sinus headache, BUT I did not take it long enough to see if those went away after a few weeks... And the Cardio problems I believe are at mch higher doses... That being said, it is STILL the Med I will have to go to also... As someone who tried so many, and Nefazodone was the only Med that worked for me, it is an AMAZING option, for people with Depression and Anxiety, PTSD...
Had it not been the overblown liver risk Hype,I beliece Nefazodone would be one of the most prescribed and BEST meds out their overall rated by it's users... If you can toig out the first couple weeks when you start it and no liver issues, it literally stopped 99% of my atrocious anxiety and 99% of my PTSD symptoms, and 95% of my Clinical Depression, truly a wonder drug, and I so pray and hope they get this back out there soon for all of us, and those that had to switch temporarily, to go back to Nefazodone... Teva is REALLY sitting on the BEST ANTI DEPRESSANT and Anxiety Med there is in my opinion, too bad most Doctors shy away from it, because 211 episodes of liver damage, out of 11,000,000 users... So many people out there int he world today, are NOT getting the relief they would truly get in my opinion, if a Doctor tried Nefazodone for them... Good Luck Rob, I am in the same boat as you, once I run out Trazodone it is...
Inactive
21 Jan 2021
I agree with the comment below contact TEVA to let them know how important Nefazodone is for you, BUT also contact the FDA and tell them also... The FDA are the ones who when Bristol Myers Squibb withdrew SERZONE, the Brand Name for Nefazodone, they felt Depression was a SERIOUS Condition and that Nefazodone was an important option to treat Depression and that is why they did not ban it... Well the FDA was correct, Nefazodone has SAVED MY LIFE and let me function without crippling depression, anxiety and ptsd... I have called the FDA 3 or 4 times since Sept. 18th... And I have called Teva MANY times over last 4 months... This is getting REALLY LONG now, we are at 4 months, and an Anti Depressant is CRITIICAL to compliy with the regimen, ESPECIALLY when you been on it years, decades.. Let Teva know 1st, then FDA and lets advocate is right for this life saving medicine, that could literally DESTROY lives the longer this shortage keeps going...
dp92672
17 Nov 2020
Yea, been through this before. Hopefully they can sort it out. Always wondered if there were many other folks on this med. Has been helpful for me for many years. Tried trazodone before taking the Nef, not the same at all in my case. Thanks for the info and updates from everyone.
momsue84
17 Nov 2020
I had to make the switch to trazodone, and, oddly enough, I’m doing fine. Quite the seamless transition. I was so afraid. However, my GP and pharmacist encouraged me by letting me know 1. I could do this, and 2. They would be there for any help I might need. It has worked for me.
Inactive
17 Nov 2020
Hi Momsue, glad to hear that from you, I tried trazodone briefly before Nefazodone, and my nose got stuffy, so I used it briefly... But my Doc said if I get to certain supply left, I am going to be switching to Trazodone... I am SOOO HAPPY to hear your doing good on the Trazodone... One question, maybe you can help ??? I took 200mg a day for 24 years almost, how to they cut you down ??? Direct switch, or reduction and add Trazodone ??? Or what MG of Trazodone = same MG in Nefazodone ??? Just trying to do my homework... I pray, Teva makes it, or someone else steps in and does... But trazodone is what I was told I will be going to, and your the 2nd one I heard that is doing good on it... Very happy for you and the other person, and ME if it comes to that...
momsue84
17 Nov 2020
Like you, I took 200mg a day of Nefazodone, 100 am, 100 pm, for 23 years. My doc had me do a direct switch. One night, I just took 100 mg of Trazodone instead of the Nefazodone. I don’t take a morning dose. Just 100 mg at night. So, I would say 100 mg of Trazodone = 200 mg of Nefazodone. My doc explained it this way: they are cousin meds rather than sibling meds. Hope that analogy helps. I have noticed that it makes me drowsy at night, so I take it one hour before bedtime. I, also, seem to have more energy during the day. Plus, I have had NO anxiety. None. That was by biggest fear. As far as the nasal congestion from Trazodone, I do get some, but I sleep with a CPap machine, so it goes away quickly. Please don’t be afraid to make the switch. Who knows if Teva will ever make more Nefazodone, so not being dependent on them is rather liberating. You can do this!!!
momsue84
17 Nov 2020
My doc has given me the option of upping the dosage by 50mg at a time, if needed. So far, I don’t believe that will be necessary. And, obviously, the lowest workable dosage is best.
dp92672
17 Nov 2020
I also spoke with the nice people at Teva, and confirmed that they have no plans to discontinue Nefazodone. They are working on getting the product back on line, but can not provide a target date as yet. Thanks to all on this thread for your input.
Inactive
23 Nov 2020
I have heard some switched to Trazodone, others mirtazapine --- Some of you I heard direct switched, others I have heard cross tapers. thoughts anyone ?
momsue84
23 Nov 2020
Direct switch worked for me.
Inactive
23 Nov 2020
Hi again Momsue84, I take Nefazodone 23 years for PTSD, Major Depression and Anxiety, and oddly enough 200mg a day worked... I see you said you had no anxiety since transitioning to Nefazodone... May I ask did you have Depression also ??? As that is why I love Nefazodone, I had vivid dreams from PTSD, and Nefazodone stopped them, Depression, and Nefaozone got me out of Major Depression, and Nefazodone stopped my Anxiety, so Nefazodone has been a good Medicine, in that it took care of 3 issues with me, PTSD Dreaming, Depression and Anxiety, I hope Trazodone would keep me work as Anti Depressant also...
momsue84
24 Nov 2020
I have suffered from clinical depression and generalized anxiety for most of my adult life. Yes, Nefazodone helped my depression quite well. However, it is the anxiety I fear the most. I had a total breakdown 23 years ago, and I don’t ever want to go through that, again. Ever!! The panic attacks were crippling, and the fear I felt prevented me from carrying on with life. A wonderful doctor, therapy and serzone/nefazodone saved my life. I switched to Trazodone because I had no other choice. So far, so good. One day at a time, one step at a time. The only thing I didn’t have is PTSD. So, yes, so far, Trazodone is helping my depression.
Inactive
24 Nov 2020
Well Momsue84 your doing great ! Keep up the good work ! My fear anxiety is the few times I did cut down Nefazodone the withdrawal was bad, BUT I never had nothing else going in as I cut down -- So when my time comes, I feel allot better about putting Trazodone in, and honestly I just wanna do the direct switch if it comes to that for me also... I know Nefaozodone was derived from Trazodone, so it makes sense that it has helped you, cousins for sure chemically... Thanksfor the updates and encouragement...
momsue84
27 Nov 2020
I increased the dosage of Trazodone, with doc’s knowledge and permission, to 150 mg. I feel like a zombie. And, I now get dizzy, and my sinuses slam shut shortly after I take it. I am going back to 100mg, again, with doc’s knowledge. I am telling you this because I want you to be very careful about your dosage of Trazodone. 50 mg can make a huge difference!!! In all honesty, if Nefazodone ever comes back, I will switch back. I don’t mean to sound negative or be a wet blanket. Just putting my experiences here for others. I had such high hopes, too. Be safe!
Inactive
28 Nov 2020
Dear Momsue84 - Remember I took Trazodone before I got on Nefazodone for last almost 24 years... My nostrils plugged shut comepletely, and that is why I did not take Trazodone... May I ask why you bumped it up another 50mg to 150mg ??? Did other symptoms comeback on 100mg, that made you feel you had to try to bump it up ??? If I were you, I would let Teva know, you desire they reolve the Nefazodone issue, and that Trazodone is NOT the same... I hope the 100mg works for you again, but Teva really needs to understand, they are the only makers of Nefazodone, and someone dropped the ball in my opinion allowing this to happen to us users, especially those on this for 20+ years... In my opinion we all need to check touch base with Teva every week or 2 to keep asking them... This is just so horrible for us to have to deal with this, especially in 2020...
I know Teva is telling people now to talk to Dr's and switch to alternative rather than run out, but Teva needs to knwo there is no alternative that is the exact same as Nefazodone... One poster on site said Teva told here they are having a difficult time obtaining a raw ingredient to make it... Who knows if the pandemic is to blame or just poor sales ??? Or a little of both, I fear in my oopinion not much incentive for anyone to make ingredients or meds when not popular, that does not help us though... Keep updatining us Momsue84 I appreciate it... So will others
Inactive
28 Nov 2020
dp92672 and others I feel for all of us who have been on Nefaozodone for years, some even decades... I cannot explain how upset I am... It went on the Shortage list Sept 18th... This is such a serious issue for many of us... In all honesty, Teva had this on manufacturer back order in 2019 and I had a hard time finding any last year, for a few months, had to switch pharmacies, and drive far to find some... Now this shortage in 2020.. I mean, so unfair to us really... This is a med that saves, changes and has changed some of us users life for the better that Nefazodone works for, just so upsetting to have to switch to something that we do not know how we will react from somethng we were stable on forever... I mean where is the FDA on this ??? They cannot force people to make a Medicine.. But when Serzone ( Brand Name ) was withdrawn voluntarily by Bristom Myers Squibb it was the FDA that said Nefazodone they felt was an imporatant option for those that others did not work for...
Ok, so here we are people like me and others on Nefazodone for 20+ years, and the rug was pulled out from underneath us in 2020... I mean did Covid cause this ??? Who knows ? Teva words their replies very carefully when you call, they do not really tell you why, if or when it will comeback, or if it won't... In my opinion, Teva does not really tell you that it will definitely be available again someday, nor do they tell you no it won't... Vague replies to serious questions, that leave you guessing ... Well all I can say is if I get to point where I have to go try to swtich from Nefazodone which saved my life, and worked for me till this shortage, to something else that may or may not work for me, I will be filming and documenting my journey daily, having family keep track of my progress or deterioration each and everyday, this was forced upon me, so there is details of my journey be a record of how going from a lifesaver I was stable on turned out till I had to find an alternative when Nefazodone was a God send simply cause it was no longer on shelves, or being made... Documenting how it goes for me is a must, even of it goes good, or just in case it might go badly, I will have proof in case anyone will ever need to see how this going from something that saved your life could affect someone when you cannot get it no more through no fault of your own when you been on it for 23+years... With Anti Depressants, most Doctors and Pyschiatrists would tell you that you do not switch from something that has worked, and still works and saved your life, throwing out decades of stability and chemical dependency on the right med for that individual to try to experiment and find something that might or might not work for you, Teva, this is all backwards, because someone dropped the ball in keeping a steady supply of this medication some of us truly depend on... Like I said, manufacturer back order 2019 - Shortage 2020, even if they put it back out, how long till the next back order or shortage ? 1 year or less ??? I mean this has been ongoing problem last 2 years for users like me last 2 years... Trazodone is what I was told I will have to go to, when I am almost out... And it just is not fair to make people switch from something that works... People on Nardil, have had a nightmare also with not being able to get their Nardil... Nardil and Nefazodone are not fast movers or popular overall, and that concerns me, as being a factor why we cannot get it...
dp92672
28 Nov 2020
Hang in there Nefman, I believe they will fix this problem. I think there might be more nefazodone on the shelves across the country than you realize, keep looking. One thing I have learned over the years is to make sure I have a pretty good supply on hand in case of this sort of thing. I will be looking forward to seeing your documentary of the whole affair. Please keep us up to date on your progress.
Inactive
30 Nov 2020
Dear Moderator PLEASE allow me to post this... You said share positve or negative... Well the ONLY Negative is this is a SERIOUS situation for many of us users... Now I know Pharmaciies are seeing DISNCONTINUED, but for the last 2 months, Teva has told ne as of yet, NOT Discontinued.. Of course that could change, hopefull it will not... For those of us who have had a life threatening Depressive Disorder, it is ALL ABOUT HOPE ! Teva, if they do intend to resolve this, need to be more clear.. And I will say this, switching from Nefazodone to an alternative when the Nefazodone was a God send, and lifesaver is against the norms... Me, I took all meds before Serzone/Nefazodone and I even tried Trazodone, the closest to NEfazodone, but NOT Nefazodone... And Nefazodone saved my life, literally and kept debilitation anxiety, and vegatative depression at bay for 23+ years ! This is a life threatening crisis us users have heaped upon us...
I do not ave to tell any of you how debilitating Depression or Anxiety is, and when you find the right med that saves you from that, you need to be able to keep getting it... I know of nobody that compounds Nefazodone, and we have 1 supplier of it Teva, so it all hangs on Teva for us... We are aware Nefazodone is not to poplular, or a fast mover, or even a 1st or 2nd choice, but regardless, it a LIFESAVER for many of us, and I just hope Teva has made progress toward resolvling this, I am TERRIFIED of thinking, about not having this ! I do not want to return to 1997 when I I was done for, and Nefazodone after others failed, brought me back to being able to function again without devatstating anxiety and depression ! Teva, as I am sure you know, this is life impacting for real the longer this goes on...
Inactive
5 Dec 2020
We all post on here Teva please make it again, BUT I think it would maybe help our cause more hopefully, if those of us who have not contacted Teva, do so and tell them how good this Medicine has been for our lives.. When you go to the FDA Drug Shortage List, and then you type in NEF for Nefazodone, it has the 1-800 Teva contact number... Better they here it from us users, rather than us asking them on posts they may never read or be aware of to please make it again...
Inactive
15 Dec 2020
12/15/20 the longer this unavailability goes on for the medically nescessary nefazodone treatment many of us have adhered to for years and decades, as there is MANY of us that have been on this Nefazodone Medicine for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25+ years, and IF they do not make this no more (( FAR MORE PEOPLE )) will be harmed from having the rug pulled out from underneath them after years and decades of adhering to the Nefazodone treatment then the Black Box Liver Damage risk ever posed to us !!! ISo important someone makes this again, asap. Peoples lives in my opinion literally or will be ruined, more damage and harm no doubt will come to people lives then the miniscule liver risk ever posed. ! Please Teva we are 3 months into this crisis for us users not being able to get it, and run out of what we do have. This is horrible mental suffering and possibly life altering threatening consequences not having medication available to us after years and decades of compliance and chemical dependence on !
Inactive
19 Dec 2020
Well dp92672 here we are again it's Dec. 19th 2020 that is, and a Pharmacist in my area in 2019 WARNED me this was gonna happen, see my post on here from Feb. 27th 2019 NefazadoneMan 27 Feb 2019
" Here we are Feb 2019 and I went to refill my Nefazodone ( That I have been on religiously for 22 years ) And was told by that Particular Pharmacy that they could not get it, Manufacturer stopped making it ! PANIC CITY for me, I was like WHAT ? Said Back Order till March or April, but the Pharmacist I talked to, said he had seen this before on older unpopular Meds, fist back order, then long term back order, then finally discontinued... " dp92672 in my opinion, that is exactly what is coming down the pike ! We are now 3 months into this unavailability, some of us have ran out, and forced to switch already. This is so wrong, you don't go from the only med that worked and saved your life, to swtiching when there was no issue and you been on it 10, 20, 25, years..
Why can't Teva tell us outright, if they really are trying to resolve shortage " Hey we are working hard to bring back onlike asap " That would give us much needed hope !
dp92672
19 Dec 2020
Yes Nefman, keep trying at some point there will be a resolution to this question. Hopefully it all works out for everyone. Don't give up.
Inactive
29 Dec 2020
Hi dp92672, not to upet us but in my life am a business man, and Nefazodone is NOT popular, not a big $$$ maker.. This is now over 3 and 1/2 Months, and expect them to reverify next 2 days UNAVAILABILITY UNKNOWN.. Slow seller, shake people off because you did not have it when they ran out, = less people on, ot that have faith in TEVA to ever keep it consistently supplied.. Sales will be even poorer in my opinion, IF it ever comes back, which I doubt, I think after 2019 back order, now this no end in sight shortage as they lose customer son it for 20+years, Nefazodone is going the way of Dionosaurs.. I feel pretty sure about that
Inactive
29 Dec 2020
TYPO CORRECTIONS: Hi dp92672, not to upet us but in my life I am a business man, and Nefazodone is NOT popular, not a big $$$ maker. This is now over 3 and 1/2 Months, and expect them to reverify in the next 2 days UNAVAILABILITY UNKNOWN. Slow seller, not a 1st or 2nd choice, then shake people off because your company did not have it for users when they ran out ! That ='s less people on it, and even less that have faith in TEVA to ever keep it consistently supplied for us. Sales will be even poorer in my opinion, IF it ever comes back, which I HIGHLY doubt, I think after 2019 back order, now this no end in sight shortage as they lose customers who were on it for 20+years, Nefazodone is going the way of Dionosaurs.. I feel pretty sure about that, me thinks that was their intention all along in my opinion, cause this shortage just made it even LESS POPULAR due to them being unable to keep it consistently supplied last 2 years
dp92672
29 Dec 2020
Yes, Nefman, those are all good points. We are at the mercy of a very large corporation, not a good place to be. We should not give up hope. That is easy for me to say because I have a pretty good supply of NF. I kind of saw this happening after the one eight years ago. In any case we shall remain strong and look to the future with positive thoughts. I am curious what other med they might come up with. Seems like they (big pharm) can do better than trazodone for sure. Do you have an email address? Not sure if you can contact people directly on this thread? Best of luck to you moving forward.
Inactive
30 Dec 2020
Hello, dp92672 I am still good a few months, but I am losing hope. I do not sense any urgency when I have talked to Teva to get this resolved, starting all the way back in September 18th when I called. I still do not, I can never even get a rep to say YES we are actively trying to get this back out... Not saying they did not tell anyone else that, but they NEVER tell me that... 2012 was a short shortage - I sense no urgency from Teva to get it back out, breaks my heart, no statements they are trying, just same old evasive answers, about not saying discontinued nor continued... An Anti Depressant is the 1 med when you find one you need to have acess to consistently, and even if Teva makes this again, which I doubt, they let us down in 2012, 2019, and now the worse ever 2020. Someone, PLEASE continue to make this, we are people, some of us may not survive not having it, PLEASE hear us, and make it !
Inactive
30 Dec 2020
You know what I would like to see ??? A study, follow up on ALL who were affected by not having available... Just how did all thise that ran out do going directly to Trazodone ? That is what I have to go to, before I run out, it did not work for me in before I got in Nefazodone, but I think the powers that be, think that will be fine... How many people affected transitioned safely with no diusruptions, OR how many are going through hell, lost their jobs, in a Pysch unit or Hospitalized ? Even worse if someone loses their life.. Look, I am not saying this shortage is not out of everyones hand, BUT it Nefazodone was popular, I believe Teva and others would be cranking it out reliably..
Let's see, 2012 Shortage, 2019 back order ( See my Post on here in 2019, when I posted the Pharmacist in 2019 told, me he felt Nefazodone was going extinct, he saw it before, back order, long term unavailable, then Discontinued ) Well so far he is right, lets not forget the price increase also a few years ago... I mean it appears to me, someone is making it such a nauseating experience for us users to be on this med, it is if they almost want us to give up on it ! Sorry the longer this so called shortage goes on with re-verifications never changing going on 4 months in January, this shortage is seeming more and more like BS to shake us from it in my opinion to get us to give up before they pull the plug on Nefazodone, hope for all of our sakes I am wrong, but I think I may be right...
Inactive
30 Dec 2020
dp92672 you said " In any case we shall remain strong and look to the future with positive thoughts. I am curious what other med they might come up with. Seems like they (big pharm) can do better than trazodone for sure. Do you have an email address? Not sure if you can contact people directly on this thread? Best of luck to you moving forward. " Same to you, good luck to you and all, I am sorry when I seem negative, but this is horrible for all of us... Too bad it is not prescribed much, I took so many, and Nefazodone is such a wonderful med for those of us it helped... Truly wonderful... I wish Bristol Myer Squibb, would remake Serzone, and let us sign an informed consent form, or Teva, someone has to consider how long some of us have been on this< iwas told mynumerour Doctors when it was Serzone, and Pharmacists, and even when it was Nefazodone, that I would have to take this for LIFE, and I agree ! ...
And so backwards to go from something working to something that did not, or might not because you cannot get it, or will run out eventually... I just cannot believe nothing changes after almost 4 months... Please Teva, help us all ! Best of luck to all of you, I am taking a break from Posting, hope we al get some good news...
dp92672
21 Dec 2021
Great news for all on this thread. I just received this email from TEVA, I will attempt to paste it here.
Nefazodone is now available. Teva originally alerted the US FDA – and Wholesalers, Distributors and Pharmacies – in the summer of 2020 about a potential shortage of Nefazodone, and has been working diligently since that time in the interest of patients. We are pleased to now be able to once again provide Nefazodone as a viable option for those who need it. As always, patients should continue to speak with their physician about the treatment that is right for them.
Kind regards,
TEVA Customer Service
Office: 800-545-8800 (option 3,option 5)
TEVACS@tevapharm.com www.tevapharm.com
This message is intended solely for the designated recipient(s). It may contain confidential or proprietary information and may be subject to attorney-client privilege or other confidentiality protections. If you are not a designated recipient you may not review, copy or distribute this message. If you receive this in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message. Thank you.
dillonkris
17 Oct 2020
I have also been told that it has been taken off the market I went into total panic mode when I called my psychiatrist she told me that I was going to have to switch antidepressants I only have two months left of my nefazodone to do this I’m in complete panic mode because I have no idea what to expect. I have been on this antidepressant for 23 years and it helps me so much. If we could get some answers that would be great!
momsue84
17 Oct 2020
I, too, have been told by multiple pharmacies that Teva has stopped manufacturing Nefazodone. My doctor has switched me to Trazodone. I have yet to make the switch because I still have about a month’s supply left. I am scared out of my mind. I have been on Nefazodone for 23 years and it has worked so well for me. This is 2020 and here we are going through the same thing we went through in 2012.
Inactive
19 Oct 2020
Yes Teva needs an API Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient to resume making it, so your correct they did stop making it for now, as they need the API to make it... But they told me the other day it is NOT discontiued, they just can't give a releasew date as they need that API first... Pharmacies I tlaked to some see little note that say longterm unavailable, or temporarily unavailable no release date... But as I said, I called Teva, and emailed them, not being discontinued as of yet... I sure hope they resolve this ASAP - I will be 24 years in 2021
momsue84
19 Oct 2020
Oh, thank goodness for your news!! I can only hope and pray that Teva makes this happen sooner rather than later. Thank you for calling the company!! You have made my day.
dillonkris
19 Oct 2020
Let’s keep each other posted! If someone hears something please let everyone else know! We’ll get through this!
dillonkris
19 Oct 2020
Let’s keep each other posted! If someone hears something please let everyone else know! We’ll get through this!
momsue84
19 Oct 2020
Excellent idea!!
Inactive
20 Oct 2020
Like I said, Teva has told me when I called, not discontinued as of yet... They told me until they hear it would be, they assume it will be back out at some point, they just cannot say when... I mean in my opinion, COVID has shut down allot of stuff... And that may be part of this disruption ??? That being said, I just hope Teva feels the urgency we do to get it resolved sooner rather later... I might add this, IF someone was on it as long as us at the Manufacturer, and it worked for them like it has some of us decades users, they would be TRULY trying to be sure this got resolved ASAP just like we are stressed... I mean, I know Shortages can be a few months, or SEVERAL Months, I must keep fingers crossed for all of us...
I do know from my research back in 2012 Nefazodone was on the shortage list, and it said API availability issue like it does now, and they did get it back out fairly quickly and all these years later ( 8 ) years it was still made till this issue in 2020 - So lets hope Teva feels the urgency we do, as if they took it like us... Some of us 20, 30 years... As I said, I know cause of the rare liver issue, Nefazodone got a bad rap, and I know many Doctors especially in small towns, and non Metropolitan areas do not even ever prescribe this... But regardless, it works for many of us...
Raine1one
16 Oct 2020
I found out when I got upset with Walmart for not having my prescription ready when I had called it in a week earlier. When they told me that it was on backorder and they were having trouble getting it the pharmacist was kind enough to call pharmacies in the surrounding area and had found the pharmacy that carried it in the 250 which was higher than what I took but was going to check with my doctor to see if they could call the prescription in to that other Pharmacy and that we could just somehow or another alter taking a 250 and a one and a half a 250 to make it close to 400 mg per day. I have been panicking because I called 20 pharmacies and nobody had any within a 25 mile area and only one pharmacist told me that I should call the manufacturer directly and see if they have a patient assistance program. I did call I had to leave a message and today is Thursday October 15th that call was placed on Monday I had to leave a message and no one to return my call yet in regards to it.
Tomorrow I will be calling again to see if I can get through and find out what's going on I have been on that medication for probably close to 15 or 16 years and it works for me in curbing the anxiety. My doctor at different times when I would be laid off from jobs try me on different medications none of them which were effective and cause other side effects that were not tolerable. I suggest a call to Teva. I called the facility in Montgomery county, Pa. I do not know if it is manufactured there or where as the have facilities around the world.
Inactive
17 Oct 2020
I am on it 23 and 1/2 years I sure hope they get this resolved
Inactive
27 Feb 2019
Here we are Feb 2019 and I went to refill my Nefazodone ( That I have been on religiously for 22 years ) And was told by that Particular Pharmacy that they could not get it, Manufacturer stopped making it ! PANIC CITY for me, I was like WHAT ? Said Back Order till March or April, but the Pharmacist I talked to, said he had seen this before on older unpopular Meds, fist back order, then long term back order, then finally discontinued... So that was no help to my nerves, as Nefazodone saved my life for 22 years, and allowed me to live, work, be a Dad, Husband etc... I was lucky to find another Pharmacy that had a few bottles to hold me for a few more months, HOPEFULLY it will be back in production distributed to Pharmacies so I can resume it without interruption...
22 years folks, I am 48, almost HALF my life ! I could not even stand how not having this medicine, or being forced to get off of it cause it would not be made no more, would DESTROY my life ! I am not Broke, so I do not need unnecessary fixing... Doctors, and Pharmacists, and Manufacturers have NO IDEA, what Hell this would be for someone like me who has been on it this long 22 years to try to switch or come off of... It is EXCELLENT, my liver tests for all these years have been fine, most recent 2 months ago.. Nefazodone was a GOD SEND for me, and probably a few others also... Even though it is not popular, PLEASE Doctors, and Manufacturer realize how CRITICAL this drug is to those of us lie me 22 years whom it saved...
Inactive
3 Dec 2020
As of Dec. 2nd 2020, nefazodone has NOT been discontinued, yes it is unavailable, and yes the pharmacies computers default to Discontinued, because it is not being made due to a shortage of a raw ingredient for the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient... When it is available again? Teva cannot say. I recommend to any of you that see this, go to the FDA Drug Shortage site, it shows you the phone number to contact Teva, (good idea in my opinion), to let them know how important this medicine has been for you and it shows the status, and last time it was re-verified, so we can keep watching updates to hopefully see some good news at some point.
Inactive
3 Dec 2020
As a user of nefazodone going on 24 years in 2021, I must say I am quite upset, as this was back-ordered in 2019, and now shortage in 2020 for foreseeable future. This is the kind of Medicine a user whose life it saved, needs to be able to consistently have available for refills. I know it is not popular, nor likely profitable for Teva at all. But still, hopefully morally and ethically they know how much some of us need this and they are trying to resolve it ASAP What a stressor this has been.
Inactive
12 Dec 2020
Yes go to the FDA site, type n NEF for Drug Shortage, see the latest updates, and it shows Teva Contact number.. I would call them and tell them, as they may not see our feedback we leave on these web pages... We are 3 months alomst into this shortage on the FDA site, this has been longer alreay than the 2012 --- I talked to Teva, they said not discontinued as of yet, but I never get an answer out of them either, that Teva is truly working on it to get it resovled, which makes me seriously wonder if they may be thinking also of just not making it no more... I am sorry Doctors were scared of this excellent and effective Medicine because of overblown Liver fears, Nefazodone is an AMAZING treatment for those of us who it works for, it is unlike anything else we tried... Please Teva, FDA or anyone, help us have this life saving Medicine be available for us...
Inactive
5 Jan 2021
**UPDATE** January 5th 2021... I spoke to Teva again, I am truly convinced, they really are trying to make Nefazodone again, they just cannot yet without the 1 ingredient that they are having a hard time obtaining.. I do believe they will not Discontinue Nefazodone, but currently they cannot do anything without the ingredient, as crappy as this is for those of us that ran out and will run out if not produced in time, I do feel at peace that they are aware and doing their best... I woudl still call Teva if you have not to tell them how important this Med has been... Hopefully, this will get resolved soomer rather than later, but I do feel they are trying and aware they need to IF they can just get that ingredient, lets keep our fingers crossed... Kinda like someone having a cherry cheesecake pie made, but not able to obtain the 1 main ingredient cherries, to finish it.. Lets hope for the best soon...
Inactive
21 Jan 2021
I agree with the comment below contact TEVA to let them know how important Nefazodone is for you, BUT also contact the FDA and tell them also... The FDA are the ones who when Bristol Myers Squibb withdrew SERZONE, the Brand Name for Nefazodone, they felt Depression was a SERIOUS Condition and that Nefazodone was an important option to treat Depression and that is why they did not ban it... Well the FDA was correct, Nefazodone has SAVED MY LIFE and let me function without crippling depression, anxiety and ptsd... I have called the FDA 3 or 4 times since Sept. 18th... And I have called Teva MANY times over last 4 months... This is getting REALLY LONG now, we are at 4 months, and an Anti Depressant is CRITIICAL to compliy with the regimen, ESPECIALLY when you been on it years, decades.. Let Teva know 1st, then FDA and lets advocate is right for this life saving medicine, that could literally DESTROY lives the longer this shortage keeps going...
Inactive
12 July 2021
So let's assume after more months / more time, more suffering in mind and body of us Nefazodone users they do make this again ? Where does it stand for the future ? Do they run out again, which would repeat and put us all through hell again ? Things I do know, is News Article said COVID did not do this. which I originally thought did, I do know TEVA Stock is at $9.30 today, so that is not good compared to past either, is that a factor why they do not make it almost 1 year now of knowing we need it ? Just what is the plan if it comes back ? Charge those of us willing to still take this as it was miracle drug for many of us, will they charge us an arm and a leg ? After 1 year or so will they run out again ? I have no confidence in TEVA at this point none whatsoever, and after what happened to those of us on Nefazodone, do they really expect us too ? No confidence have I when it comes to their cutomers on Nefazodone like myself.
This is horrible that this is going on almost 1 year and same status. Ansd that taking name and number stuff, sounds like they are just sick of the calls, they took my name and number almost a year ago
I Roll Solo
28 June 2013
I see this post was a year ago but I was recently prescribed this medication. I went to four different pharmacies and no one had it. I decided to take it to the hospital pharmacy that prescribed it and they didn't have it in stock. I had to miss 3 doses waiting on the original pharmacy to order it. When I know I am about due for a refill I will call ahead of time so that it can be ordered and ready when I need it.
keep nefazodone
14 Aug 2012
I am so pleased that I have found this posting and those of others who are using nefazodone. This medication has saved my life and career. I have been on it for 15 years and recently had to go a number of days without the medication and had a rebound depression after being so well the last decade. I am physician, but this has not made it easy for me to get access to this medication.
Unfortunately, I live in Canada and must travel to the US to get this medication.
I would like to invite those of you using nefazodone to contact me, so that we can organize ourselves and lobby to ensure this drug continues to be made by generic companies. We must also remind the FDA of the need to keep this drug available in the US, as one day they may consider banning it due to liver concerns.
Lets get a website going, tell our stories in confidence, lobby for continued access and safeguard our health.
email: mg_88_2000@yahoo.com
kaismama
14 Aug 2012
I have a real problem with the government taking away needed medications. This hits us in all aspects of our lives. They act like they have to baby sit us because we have no brains of our own.
momsue84
14 Aug 2012
My doctor tests my live function every 6 months. In 15 years, I have never had a problem. Serzone, then Nefazodone, saved my life, too. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you to go without it for several days. The rebound must have been awful. Count me in on lobbying the FDA to keep this drug on the market!!
reesievan
24 Nov 2012
Be careful. After 16 years on nefazadone, I've developed liver disease first detected after 15 years of using the drug. Liver biopsy with second opinion points to no other cause and so I'm having to come off of it. It has been a spectacular drug for me and I have tried and found nothing better in the past. Also know that even regular normal liver blood enzyme tests do not prove that this particular drug is not damaging the liver. All the literature confirms that normal blood tests are not conclusive. I've reduced my dosage and even if the enzymes return to normal, I have to come off of it. There is really very little known about how this drug works after very long usage and with normal aging. So enjoy the good effects you are experiencing but be watchful.
momsue84
24 Nov 2012
Can you tell us what your previous dosage has been and what you have had to come do to?? How was your liver disease diagnosed?
momsue84
24 Nov 2012
Reesvian: Have you had trouble decreasing your dosage? Any info would be greatly appreciated for all of us. Thanks and good luck!
reesievan
28 Nov 2012
To respond to Momsue84, I was on 500 mg daily and now I am on 300 mg daily. Going from 500 to 400 wasn't really a problem for me. Going from 350 to 300 caused a bit more. I want to come down slowly. My liver issues were first uncovered with an unexplained rise in the liver enzymes, to moderately elevated levels above the top of the range. I am being retested every 3 months for enzymes but the black box warning and other literature out there makes it clear that the periodic blood tests don't mean damage is not being done. So my goal is to come off of it altogether and replace it with something else, though I don't know what yet. The liver biopsy I had shows the inflammation but can identify no other cause of it.
All this saddens me because it has been an otherwise great medication for me for 16 years, and it's possible that nefazodone isn't the cause of it but given all the information, the medical advice I have been given and a lot of soul searching, it's only prudent for me to remove a drug that has been shown to adversely affect the liver in some patients and has merited the FDA black box warning. All patients are different, though, so what's true for me may of course not be true for others.
lorimariejohnson
24 Oct 2013
I totally agree!!!
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Further information
- Nefazodone uses and safety info
- Nefazodone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Nefazodone (detailed)
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