Drug Name: Trazodone
Brand Names: Desyrel, Trazon, Trialodine, Trittico, Thombran
Generic Name: Trazodone (trah zoe done)
Uses: Trazodone is an antidepressant (mood elevator) used to relieve symptoms of mental depression such as thoughts of death or suicide, insomnia, tiredness, feelings of sadness, changes in appetite, too much sleeping, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest in daily activities and feelings of guilt. It is also sometimes used to treat anxiety, alcohol abuse, schizophrenia and abnormal and uncontrollable movements experienced by a patient as side effects from other medications. Trazodone increases the amount of serotonin, a natural substance found in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
How to use: Trazodone should be given after a meal or light snack since absorption of the drug is 20 percent higher when it is taken with food.
Side Effects: Among the side effects of Trazodone include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, tiredness, headache, constipation, lightheadedness, hypotension (low blood pressure), nervousness, weakness, dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, numbness, fatigue, blurred vision, confusion and priapism, a painful condition in which the penis – or the clitoris of the female -- remains in an erect position. Trazodone may also affect ejaculation, orgasm and libido. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Precautions: Trazodone can be taken by pregnant women only if the drug’s benefits clearly outweigh the risk to the fetus. Using Trazodone may reduce a patient’s ability to drive or to perform other tasks thus they are advised not to drive or operate any machine when taking this medicine.
Drug Interaction: Trazodone may interact with other drugs such as anticoagulants like Warfarin, other antidepressants such as Fluoxetine and fluvoxamine; antifungal such as fluconazole and ketoconazole; muscle relaxants; and medications for allergies, cough or colds, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, seizures and high blood pressure, including St. John's Wort herbal medicine. It may also react with other medications such as Cimetidine; Clarithromycin, Dexamethasone; Diltiazem, Erythromycin, Isoniazid, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, metronidazole; nefazodone and oral contraceptives. Please inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.
Overdose: Signs of overdose of Trazodone may include unusual drowsiness or dizziness; weakness; slow, rapid or irregular pulse; loss of consciousness and vomiting. The most severe reactions reported are respiratory arrest, seizures and priapism. Seek medical attention immediately if these signs are present.
Notes: Alcohol can make the side effects of Trazodone worse so ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are under this medication.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible. But if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Important Note: Trazodone may cause painful and long lasting erections in males. If you experienced this symptom, immediately discontinue the drug and consult your doctor.
Storage: Keep Trazodone in a tightly-closed container and store at room temperature 15-30°C (59-86°F), away from heat and light.
Relevant information about Trazodone:
Trazodone: Mental depression treatment
Trazodone (Desyrel) - drug class, medical usage and effects
