Trazodone

Drug Uses

 

Trazodone is a tetracyclic antidepressant that is used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorder (sleeplessness, tension) etc.

 

How it is taken

Tradozone must be taken by mouth after a meal or a light snack. It may take up to 4 weeks for you to start noticing the effects of the drug. But do not stop using it midway.

Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Trazodone is a tetracyclic antidepressant that helps to increase the quantity of serotonin in the brain. This helps to elevate the mood.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Trazodone then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

 

 

Warnings/Precautions

 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have heart disease including irregular heartbeat or have had a heart attack, if you have a history of depression or suicidal tendencies, if you are scheduled to have surgery, if you consume alcoholic beverages.

 

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB).

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using it and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Trazodone is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Trazodone and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Carbamazepine, ethanol, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because these drugs may lead to side effects like increased drowsiness or blurred vision.

Buspirone, carbamazepine, digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects increases.

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because they reduce the effectiveness of Trazodone.

 

 

Possible Side Effects

 

 

Some of the common side effects of are blurred vision, constipation, decreased appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, general body discomfort, headache, in coordination, light-headedness, muscle aches/pains, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, stomach pain, stuffy nose, swelling of the skin, tiredness, tremors. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

 

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood in urine, chest pain, fainting, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, light-headedness when rising from a lying or seated position, prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erections, seizures, shortness of breath, stroke, vomiting.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.