Drug Name

Trazodone

Drug Uses

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

How Taken

Use Trazodone as directed by your doctor.

• 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Trazodone.

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.

Important:

• Trazodone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Trazodone with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Trazodone; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Trazodone may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Trazodone closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Trazodone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Trazodone should not be used in children younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Trazodone may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems, such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Trazodone while you are pregnant. Trazodone is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Trazodone, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

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.