- Medicine Overview
- Review
Uses:
This medication is used to treat depression. It may help to improve your mood appetite and energy level as well as decrease anxiety and insomnia related to depression. Trazodone works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural chemical (serotonin) in the brain.
Side Effects:
Nausea vomiting diarrhea drowsiness dizziness tiredness blurred vision changes in weight headache muscle ache/pain dry mouth bad taste in the mouth stuffy nose constipation or change in sexual interest/ability may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips chew (sugarless) gum drink water or use a saliva substitute.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects including: shaking (tremors) nightmares ringing in the ears problems urinating blood in urine signs of infection (e.g. fever persistent sore throat) shortness of breath stomach/abdominal pain.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects including: chest/jaw/left arm pain fainting fast/irregular heartbeat seizures eye pain/swelling/redness widened pupils vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat hallucinations loss of coordination severe dizziness severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea twitching muscles unexplained fever unusual agitation/restlessness.
For males in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection (priapism) lasting 4 or more hours stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including: rash itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) severe dizziness trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Pre-Cautions:
Before taking trazodone tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to nefazodone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history especially of: personal or family history of bipolar disorder personal or family history of suicide attempts heart disease (e.g. irregular heartbeat heart attack) liver disease kidney disease blood pressure problems personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive use machinery or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Trazodone may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using trazodone tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure slow heartbeat QT prolongation in the EKG) family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating diarrhea or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using trazodone safely.
Before having surgery tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug especially drowsiness dizziness and QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression) can be a serious condition do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy become pregnant or think you may be pregnant immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.