Trazodone: Drug Information

Other names: Depryl, Tazodac, Trazalon, Traze, Trazonil, Trazon

Drug Class: SSRI, Antidepressant

Uses of Trazodone:

Trazodone is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs. It is used in the treatment of major depression with or without anxiety and insomnia, psychotic depression and secondary depression in schizophrenia. It is also administered for the treatment of chronic alcoholism, tension and anxiety disorders. Trazodone is a triazolopyridine antidepressant that selectively inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin at the synaptic cleft.

Dosage:

It is essential for you to take the medication as prescribed by your physician in order to avoid any side effects. You must also not stop taking the medication abruptly without the consent of your doctor as it may worsen some of the symptoms of the disorder you are being treated for. The drug can be ingested with or without food.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Trazodone if you are allergic to it.

It you have any other ailments such as epilepsy, kidney or liver disease or cardiovascular disease you must tell your doctor before taking this medicine.

Children and the elderly should be closely observed for suicidal tendencies, worsening of depression and other behavior problems associated with the intake of Trazodone.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating before taking this medicine.

Do not consume alcohol with this medicine.

Drug Interactions:

Trazodone may weaken the action of some antihypertensive drugs such as clonidine.

It should not be taken if you are on mono amine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy. Trazodone should not be given within 2 weeks of discontinuing MAOIs and MAOIs should not be given at least 1 week after discontinuingTrazodone.

Sedative effect of Trazodone is enhanced by alcohol and other Central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines and opiod analgesics.

Side Effects:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include drowsiness, vertigo, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, tremors, dry mouth, bradycardia, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, edema, constipation, diarrhea, blurred vision, restlessness, confusion, insomnia and skin rash.