Trazodone

Drug Uses

Trazodone is used for treating depression. It may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (e.g., insomnia, tension), chronic pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Trazodone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Trazodone comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Trazodone refilled.
Take Trazodone shortly after a meal or light snack.
It may take 1 to 4 weeks for Trazodone to work. Do not stop taking Trazodone without checking with your doctor.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Trazodone is a tetracyclic antidepressant. It is thought to increase the activity of one of the brain chemicals (serotonin), which helps elevate mood.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Trazodone and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Trazodone between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Trazodone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Trazodone if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Trazodone or nefazodone;
you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB).
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Trazodone . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, 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

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Trazodone . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Carbamazepine, ethanol, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because side effects, such as increased drowsiness or blurred vision, may occur
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 may be increased by Trazodone
 Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because they may decrease Trazodone 's effectiveness. Your doctor may want to adjust your dose while taking Trazodone

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

blurred vision; constipation; decreased appetite; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; general body discomfort; headache; incoordination; light-headedness; muscle aches/pains; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; swelling of the skin; tiredness; tremors.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

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.

More Information

If you have any questions about Trazodone, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Trazodone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.