Trazodone

Brand Names

Desyrel, Oleptro, Desyrel Dividose

What is Trazodone

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication. The medicine is used to increase the activity of one of the brain chemicals called serotonin which may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Side effects of Trazodone

The most common side effects of Trazodone that are potentially serious and should be informed to your doctor. Side effects as:

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• A painful erection of the penis that does not go away ( known as priapism)
• Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
• Hostility or aggressiveness
• Engaging in unusual or dangerous activities
• Restlessness or inability to sit still
• Extreme elation or feeling of happiness that may switch back and forth with a depressed or sad mood
• Other unusual changes in behavior
• Hallucinations
• Fast heart rate
• Chest palpitations
• Difficulty sleeping

Indication

Trazodone is used to treat depression. It may also be used for relief of anxiety disorders (eg, sleeplessness, tension) and chronic pain.

Precautions

If you have any of these conditions while taking Trazodone Hydrochloride (Desyrel), you should inform your doctor immediately:

• Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder (known as manic depression)
• A recent history of heart attack, heart disease
• A history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts
• An upcoming surgery
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your doctor know if you are: Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant or Breastfeeding.

It is also needed to inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines including, prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Dosage forms

Considerations for people taking Trazodone include:

• It usually takes a week or two (or perhaps even more than a month) before feeling any beneficial effects of trazodone. Try not to be discouraged if the drug does not work right away for you.
• It is best to take your trazodone dosage after you ate. Your system absorbs the medicine better after eating.
• Trazodone should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
• For the properly work of medicatio, you have to take it as prescribed. Trazodone will not work if you take it differently from how your doctor recommends.
• If you are unsure about anything related to your trazodone doses, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your doctor.