Trazodone is a prescription medication originally developed to treat depression. Trazodone is a versatile medication with applications ranging from depression and anxiety to insomnia and chronic pain management. Serious but rare side effects include priapism (prolonged erection in men), serotonin syndrome, and irregular heartbeats. Therefore, before using this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you use. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first Certain drugs may decrease the levels of trazodone in your body and make your dosage of trazodone less effective.
Are you currently using Trazodone?
Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if or how trazodone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. This will help them determine if trazodone is right for you. If needed, trazodone may be broken in half along the score line. Take trazodone shortly after a meal or light snack.
- This happens when there is too much serotonin activity in your body.
- You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other activities that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
- There are no known interactions between trazodone and foods or drinks.
- One of the most common off-label uses of trazodone is for insomnia.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using trazodone?
This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect serotonin levels in your body. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with trazodone.
- In addition to being used for managing depression, it can be used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
- Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of trazodone in the pediatric population.
- Trazodone may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness.
- This will help them determine if trazodone is right for you.
Trazodone is a widely prescribed medication primarily used to treat depression. RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Coadministration with serotonergic drugs Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
For some teenagers and young adults, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, to allow for changes in your dose and to help manage any unwanted effects. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible.
Does trazodone interact with foods or drinks?
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. Stop using trazodone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. While less common, the most serious side effects of trazodone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Alcohol interaction warning
Place Trazodone uses the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) trazodone affects serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood, sleep and emotional balance. Today, it’s often used off-label as a sleep aid, especially for people who struggle with insomnia linked to anxiety or mood disorders. If you’re considering trazodone for any of these conditions, consult your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right fit for you. However, like any medication, it should be used under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Trazodone Brand Name: Everything You Need to Know
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. These effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Trazodone can cause mild or serious side effects. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other activities that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Trazodone oral tablet may cause drowsiness or sleepiness.
FDA warning: Suicide risk warning
Because of this, it may be a suitable medicine if you have anxiety and difficulty sleeping (insomnia). Trazodone is less suitable for elderly people, who may get more side effects. To prevent any withdrawal side effects, talk to your doctor about the best way to come off trazodone. During this time, some people occasionally have thoughts of harming themselves or ending their lives. Antidepressants like trazodone help to improve your mood so you feel better. In the first few days, trazodone may make you feel sleepy.
Trazodone – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. You could have dangerous levels of trazodone in your body. Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely.
If you stop taking the drug or don’t take it at all. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years old. This drug hasn’t been studied in children. Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. The trazodone dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on various factors.
Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. Many insurance companies may require a prior authorization for this drug. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues.
But like any medication, it’s important to understand how it works, what to expect and whether it’s the right fit for you. If you’ve been lying awake night after night, or feeling emotionally stuck and unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Abraham Finley is a health writer passionate about providing clear, reliable information on Trazodone and mental health.
Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in your body. Different interactions can cause different effects.
