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Trazodone |
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What is Trazodone and why is it prescribed? Trazodone is prescribed for the treatment of depression. Trazodone does not provide immediate relief. It may take up to four weeks before you begin to feel better, although most patients notice improvement within two weeks. How should you take Trazodone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Trazodone. Take Trazodone shortly after a meal or light snack. You may be more apt to feel dizzy or light-headed if you take the drug before you have eaten. Trazodone may cause dry mouth. Sucking on a hard candy, chewing gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can relieve the problem. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Trazodone at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light and excessive heat. Are there any Trazodone side effects? Trazodone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Trazodone side effects may include abdominal or stomach disorder, aches or pains in muscles and bones, anger or hostility, blurred vision, brief loss of consciousness, confusion, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness or light-headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitement, fainting, fast or fluttery heartbeat, fatigue, fluid retention and swelling, headache, inability to fall or stay asleep, low blood pressure, nasal or sinus congestion, nausea, nervousness, nightmares or vivid dreams, tremors, uncoordinated movements, vomiting, and weight gain or loss. Less common or rare Trazodone side effects may include allergic reactions, anemia, bad taste in mouth, blood in the urine, chest pain, delayed urine flow, decreased concentration, decreased sex drive, disorientation, ejaculation problems, excess salivation, gas, general feeling of illness, hallucinations or delusions, high blood pressure, impaired memory, impaired speech, impotence, increased appetite, increased sex drive, menstrual problems, more frequent urination, muscle twitches, numbness, prolonged erections, red, tired, itchy eyes, restlessness, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, sweating or clammy skin, and tingling or pins and needles. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Trazodone? If Trazodone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Trazodone may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Trazodone. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Trazodone with Antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors (including Nardil and Parnate), Barbiturates (such as Seconal), Central nervous system depressants (such as Demerol and Halcion),Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Drugs for high blood pressure (such as Catapres and Wytensin), Other antidepressants (such as Prozac and Norpramin), Phenytoin (Dilantin), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Trazodone? Trazodone may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Trazodone has been associated with priapism, a persistent, painful erection of the penis. Men who experience prolonged or inappropriate erections should stop taking this drug and consult their doctor. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment. Your doctor will ask you to stop using the drug if you are going to have elective surgery. Be careful taking this drug if you have heart disease. Trazodone can cause irregular heartbeats. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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