Trazodone
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Trazodone
Trazodone is a tetracyclic antidepressant drug. It acts by increasing the activity of one brain chemical serotonin, which helps in elevating mood.
Therapeutic Uses of Trazodone
Trazodone is used for treatment of depression. It is also used for relief of chronic pain and anxiety disorders like sleeplessness, tension. It may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Trazodone
Trazodone should be used as directed by your doctor. Read the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Trazodone also comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully initially and also each time you get Trazodone refilled. Take Trazodone shortly after a meal or light snack. It may take few weeks (1 to 4 weeks) for Trazodone to work and during this time do not stop taking Trazodone without consulting your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Trazodone
If are using it regularly and you miss a dose of Trazodone, take it as soon as you can remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Trazodone and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time.
How to Store Trazodone
Trazodone should be stored between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). But storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) can be done for a brief period of time. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store Trazodone in your bathroom. Keep Trazodone out of the reach of children and away from pets.
More Information About Trazodone
Trazodone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with other people. If you have any questions about Trazodone, you should ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Trazodone
Do not use Trazodone if you have any of the medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Trazodone.
- If you are presently taking sodium oxybate (GHB).
Some medical conditions may interact with Trazodone. Inform your doctor or pharmacist or other health care provider if you have any medical condition that may interact with Trazodone, especially if any of the following:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine or nonprescription medicine (over the counter medicines), any herbal preparation or dietary supplements.
- If you have allergy to any medicine (including Trazodone), any food or any other substance.
- If you have heart disease including irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or have had a heart attack.
- If you have a history of depression or suicidal tendencies (suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts).
- If you are scheduled to have surgery shortly.
- If you consume alcoholic beverages regularly.
Some medicines may interact with Trazodone. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Trazodone, especially any of the following:
- Carbamazepine, ethanol, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (anti HIV drugs like ritonavir), phenothiazines (thioridazine), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like fluoxetine, because side effects, like increased drowsiness, blurred vision etc. may occur.
- Oral anticoagulants like warfarin because they may decrease effectiveness of Trazodone. Your doctor may have to adjust your dose while taking Trazodone.
- Buspirone, carbamazepine, digoxin, hydantoins (like phenytoin), itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, sodium oxybate (GHB) etc. because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Trazodone.
Possible Adverse Effects of Trazodone
- The common and minor side effects of Trazodone are nausea, headache, constipation, blurring of vision, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, dry mouth, general body discomfort, in coordination, muscle aches/pains;; nervousness; sleeplessness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; swelling of the skin; tiredness; tremors etc. Consult with your doctor if any of these most common and minor side effects become persistent or become bothersome.
- The serious side effects of Trazodone are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine; chest pain; fainting; seizures, hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; light-headedness when rising from a lying or seated position; prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erection of penis; shortness of breath; stroke; severe vomiting. Get immediate medical attention if any of these severe side effects occur while you are on Trazodone.