Desyrel
Trazodone
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Desyrel
Desyrel belongs to a group of medicines called tricyclic antidepressants. It is highly selective but less potent serotonin or 5-HT (5- hydroxyl tryptamin, which is a brain chemical) reuptake inhibitor and helps to elevate mood.
Therapeutic Uses of Desyrel
Desyrel is used in the treatment of depression. It is also used in the treatment of anxiety (like sleeplessness or insomnia, tension etc.) or as anti anxiety medicine and chronic pain. It can also be used in other conditions that your doctor or psychiatrist decide to use.
Direction of use of Desyrel
Desyrel should be taken as per instruction of your doctor. Check the label that is given along with medicine. A “medication guide” is provided along with Desyrel for the use of patient about medicine information. Every time you get refill for Desyrel it should be read carefully.
Desyrel should be taken after having some food like snacks or light meal. Desyrel may take up to 4 weeks to start working and you should not stop taking it just because it is not working immediately. Do not stop Desyrel with out consulting your doctor.
Dose of Desyrel, if Missed
If a dose of Desyrel is missed by you than take it as soon as possible or as soon as you remember it. If you miss for long duration and it is almost time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take 2 doses together. If you miss more than 1 dose successively than you may have to restart the course of medicine afresh and you should consult your doctor for that.
How to Store Desyrel
Desyrel should be stored at temperature between 59 to 86 degree F or 15 to 30 degree Centigrade. Store it away from light, moisture and heat. Keep it away from children.
More Information About Desyrel
If you do not see any improvement of you symptoms within 4 weeks or worsening of symptoms than consult your doctor or other health care provider. You should also consult your doctor if you have any doubt about Desyrel. Do not share it with anybody and it should be taken by the patient for whom it is prescribed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Desyrel
Do not use Desyrel if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Desyrel.
- If you are presently taking sodium oxybate (GHB).
Some medical conditions can interact with Desyrel you should inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to any other medicines, foods or other substances.
- If you have heart disease like irregular heart beat or had recent heart attack.
- If you have history of suicidal tendency.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, non prescription medicine or any dietary supplement.
- If you have to undergo surgery in short period of time.
- If you are chronic drinker of alcohol.
Some medicines may interact with Desyrel and you should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medicine listed below.
- Carbamazepine, ginkgo biloba, alcohol, anti HIV medicines like ritonavir, phenothiazines, SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like fluoxetine can cause increase side effects like blurring of vision or drowsiness etc.
- Oral anti coagulants like warfarin, because it may reduce effectiveness of Desyrel. You may have to adjust the dose of warfarin during treatment with Desyrel.
- Desyrel may increase side effects of digoxin, hydantoins like phenytoin, antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole etc.), nefazodone, sodium oxybate buspirone etc.
Possible Adverse Effects
Desyrel can cause some side effects like any other medicine. Some of the side effects are common and some are not common, some are minor and not important and some are serious side effects. Consult your doctor if you get common side effects like the ones listed below and they become bothersome:
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, lightheadedness, nervousness, sleeplessness, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, tremors, stomach pain, muscle pain, muscle in coordination, constipation, blurring of vision, loss of appetite, dryness of mouth, nasal congestion, edema of skin, discomfort etc.
If you get any of the serious side effects listed below, you should seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe allergic reactions (itching, rash, breathing discomfort and difficulty, tightness in chest, swelling of lips, mouth etc),irregular heartbeat, chest pain, hallucinations, fainting, seizures, shortness of breath, persistent vomiting, blood in urine, light headedness when rising from a lying condition or seated position, prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erections etc.