Trazodone (Desyrel)

Uses

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that helps to balance the natural neurotransmitter serotonin, in order to achieve its benefits. It dose show other actions when in the body which can cause sleepiness. It is used to treat depression and other conditions.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, take it after eating a meal or a snack.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting with your doctor, this could lead to unwanted side effects.

If you miss a dose

, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

It may take a few weeks before this medication begins to work. Do not stop taking unless directed by your doctor.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Bipolar disorder, blood disorders, glaucoma, heart disease, history of heart attack, irregular heart beat, kidney disease, liver disease, low sodium levels, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Trazodone Side Effects

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, heartbeat changes(increased heart rate), lightheadedness, fainting, changes in sexual function, long lasting or painful erections(over 4 hours), mood changes, suicidal thoughts or actions, trembling.

Other Side Effects

Excessive fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, headache, constipation.

Adult Dose

Depression

Immediate Release Tablets:

150 mg by mouth per day given in divided doses. The dose can be titrated by 50 mg per day every 3-4 days if needed. Slower titrations will likely be better tolerated.

Insomnia(Off-Label Usage)

This medication has been used in clinical trials by initiating 25-50 mg by mouth once daily taken at bedtime. The dose has been titrated upward to 100mg by mouth at bedtime.

Sources

1. Desyrel (trazodone) tablets[package insert]. Morgantown, WV: Mylan Pharmaceuticals; 2014.

2. Nierenberg AA, Adler LA, Peselow E, et al: Trazodone for antidepressant-associated insomnia. Am J Psychiatry 1994; 151(7):1069-1072.

3. Kaynak H, Kaynak D, Gozukirmizi E, et al: The effects of trazodone on sleep in patients treated with stimulant antidepressants. Sleep Med 2004; 5(1):15-20.

4. Trazodone hcl tablets, trazodone hcl tablets[package insert]. Weston, FL: Apotex,Corp; 2006.

5. Trazodone hcl tablets, trazodone hcl tablets[package insert]. Corona, CA: Watson Laboratories; 2005.

6. Trazodone hydrochloride immediate release [package insert]. Toronto, Ontario: Apotex Inc; 2009.

7. Oleptro (trazodone) [package insert]. Gaithersburg, MD: Angelini Pharma Inc; 2014.

By: Evan Redmond, Pharm.D.