Trazodone

Who is Trazodone for ?

Trazodone, an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Trazodone also is used occasionally to treat anxiety, cocaine withdrawal, and insomnia. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Trazodone blocks the ability of the nerve terminals to bind and break down serotonin so that more is available for the brain to use. Abnormally low levels of serotonin may play a role in depression. A main side effect of trazodone is drowsiness, which makes it a useful medication to treat insomnia.

When should I be careful taking Trazodone ?

Before taking trazodone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trazodone or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; digoxin (Lanoxin); fluoxetine (Prozac); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; sedatives; sleeping pills; thyroid medications; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have had a recent heart attack or have ever had heart disease or high blood pressure, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, seizures, an overactive thyroid gland, or liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking trazodone, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking trazodone.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Side Effects

Side effects from trazodone are common:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• stomach pain or gas
• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• excitement or anxiety
• insomnia
• nightmares
• dry mouth
• skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
• changes in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• slow or difficult speech
• shuffling walk
• persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• blood in urine
• fever
• difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat
• prolonged or inappropriate erection