Drug Name

Desyrel (Trazodone)

Drug Uses

Trazodone is primarily used for the treatment of depression; but, it is sometimes prescribed as a sedative, as well as it as well as is used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of psychiatric conditions other than depression as well as cocaine withdrawal.

How Taken

For the treatment of depression, the dose for adults is 150-600 mg per day. The initial starting dose usually is 150 mg per day. Trazodone is given in one or more daily doses, sometimes with the largest dose at night. As with all antidepressants, it may take several weeks for the filled effects of treatment to be seen. Doses often are adjusted slowly upwards to find the optimal dose. Elderly patients as well as debilitated persons may need lower doses. Trazodone should be used after a meal or light snack to reduce the risk of dizziness. Food as well as increases the amount of drug absorbed into the body.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Trazodone is an oral antidepressant drug that affects the artificial messengers (neurotransmitters) within the brain that nerves take to communicate with (stimulate) each other. The major neurotransmitters are acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine as well as serotonin. Many experts believe that an imbalance among the dissimilar neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Although the exact mechanism of action of trazodone is unknown, it probably improves symptoms of depression by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin by nerves in the brain. This results in more serotonin to stimulate other nerves. Trazodone as well as may increase directly the action of serotonin. Trazodone is chemically unrelated to the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). It is chemically related to nefazodone (Serzone) as well as shares its actions. Trazodone was approved by the Food as well as Drug Administration in 1982.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, incase it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose as well as take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage

Store at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F)

Warnings/Precautions

Take caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Trazodone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Incase you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to halt dizziness as well as a likely fall. Take alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness as well as dizziness while using trazodone. There are no adequate studies of trazodone in pregnant women. Studies in animals possess demonstrated effects on the developing fetus. Trazodone should only be used during pregnancy incase the physician feels that its benefits outweigh its potential risks. Trazodone is secreted in breast milk. Therefore, caution should be used in prescribing trazodone to women who are breast- feeding.

Likely Side Effects

The most commonly noted side effects associated with trazodone are nausea, dizziness, insomnia, agitation, tiredness, moistureless mouth, constipation, lightheadedness, headache, abridged blood pressure, blurred vision, as well as confusion. Priapism (including clitoral priapism in women), a painful condition in which the penis (or clitoris) remains in an erect position, has been reported in patients receiving trazodone. Priapism occasionally results in permanent impairment of erectile function or impotence. Patients should be warned of the possibility of priapism as well as told to discontinue the drug at once as well as consult with their physician incase this reaction occurs. Trazodone as well as may affect ejaculation, orgasm as well as libido.

More Information

Incase you experience any of the following humorless side effects, halt using trazodone as well as seek emergency health examination attention or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); a prolonged (4 hours or longer), painful, or inappropriate erection; or an irregular heartbeat or chest pains.Other, less humorless side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take trazodone as well as talk to your doctor incase you experience dizziness or drowsiness; headache; insomnia or vivid dreams; moistureless mouth, upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting; diarrhea or constipation; tremors (shaking); or blurred vision.Side effects other than those listed here may as well as occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.